BS 



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i 



lets of the ^optics: 



DESIGNED FOR MORE ADVANCED 



BY 



STEPHEN H. TYNG, D.D 



PHILADELPHIA: 

AMERICAN SUNDAY-SCHOOL UNION, 

1122 Chestnut Street. 



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Class 

Book_ 

/Z6c 



I 

I 



LESSONS 

ON THE 

ACTS OF THE APOSTLES 

DESIGNED FOR MORE ADVANCED 




xhlt Classes. 



BY < 

STEPHEN H. TYNGr, D.D, 



AMERICAN SUNDAY-SCHOOL UNION 

1122 CHESTNUT STREET, PHILADELPHIA. 

NEW YORK: 
Nos. 8 A 10 Bible House, Astob Place. 




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AMERICAN SUNDAY-SCHOOL UNION, 
in the Cleric's Office of the District Court of the Eastern District of 
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By 

APR 13 \m 



BIBLE LESSONS 

ON THE 

ACTS OF THE APOSTLES 



LESSON I. — Acts i. 1-12. 

1. Who was the author of the Acts? What former 
treatise is referred to? At what age did Jesus com- 
mence his ministry? How long did he continue it? 
What peculiar character of the Gospel by Luke does 
this text present? 

2. What is meant by Jesus being "taken up ?" Did 
Jesus act by the inspiration of the Holy Ghost? 
When did the Holy Ghost come upon him? How 
many apostles did he choose? What are the parti- 
cular commandments here referred to? 

3. What was our Saviour's passion? What were 
some of these infallible proofs? Was he at Jerusa- 
lem during these forty days ? What is meant by the 
kingdom of God? 

4. Where were they assembled? What was the 
promise of the Father? Where is the record of thia 
promise? 

5. What was the design of John's baptism? Is the 
baptism with the Holy Ghost a literal or a figurative 
expression? How many days afterward did it take 
place? 

6. Where did the disciples see their Lord for the 
last time? What is the particular meaning cf this 
time? What kingdom did they refer to? Hai a 



4 



BIBLE LESSONS ON THE 



kingdom ever been established in Israel? Did Jesus 
restore this kingdom at all? Will he restore it? 

7. To what times and seasons did he refer? How 
has the Father kept them in his own power? Does 
this refer to all prophecy ? 

8. Were the apostles better acquainted with these 
predicted times, after the Holy Ghost came upon 
them? What was the particular fact, to which they 
were chiefly to witness? Who first preached the 
gospel in Samaria? What is meant by the uttermosz 
part of the earth ? Who first preached the gospel 
to the Gentiles? 

9. Did Jesus say any thing more before he left 
them? Why did they look upon him with earnest- 
ness? Whither was he taken? For what purpose 
did he ascend? How is he now engaged? What are 
the peculiar gifts which he now bestows? 

10. Who appeared to the disciples? What does 
the white raiment of angels signify? Are any others 
in heaven clothed thus? 

11. Were the disciples probably expecting the re- 
turn of Jesus? Did the angels intend to reprove 
them? What is particularly meant by this same Je- 
sus? Do we still expect his return? When? How 
shall he then descend? In what manner was he seen 
to go? Like what does he say the coming of the Son 
of Man shall be? 

12. Is any other circumstance mentioned as occur- 
ring before their return ? In what direction was Oli- 
vet from Jerusalem? How far? Had they now a 
true knowledge of the character of Jesus? 



LESSON II.— Acts i. 13-26. 

13. Whither did the disciples return from Olivet? 
Was tnia a private room ? W r hat other instances »*re 



ACTS OP THE APOSTLES. 



5 



related in the Acts of this kind of assembly? Ilotr 
many apostles and disciples were there now? 

14. Of what Christian duty do the apostles here 
give the example? Where do they show we should 
find comfort in affliction ? Were the brethren of Je- 
sus always his disciples? To whom was the mother 
of Jesus committed? 

15. What period of time is here referred to? How 
many days intervened here ? Were the disciples pro- 
bably constantly assembled during this time? Did 
the apostles appear confident of Peter's sincerity? 

16. What Scriptures were now in existence? Did 
the Holy Ghost inspire them all? What Psalm is 
here referred to ? What was the probable motive of 
Judas? Who seized Jesus? 

17. Why did Jesus choose for a disciple, one who 
was called a devil? How was Judas numbered with 
the apostles? Did he perform any duties of the mi- 
nistry? What ministry is referred to? 

18. What price was paid to Judas? What pro- 
phecy was thus fulfilled ? Did Judas purchase this 
field? What account does Matthew give of this pur- 
chase? Was the repentance of Judas sincere? Did 
it produce any benefit for him? What did our Lord 
say of the man who should betray him? 

19. Does this fact confirm the innocence of Christ? 
Had Judas been able to accuse him, would he not 
have done it? Why was this field called the field of 
blood? 

20. .Was this an unexpected event'; Was this first 
prediction already fulfilled? To what does the latter 
refer? Why should this vacancy be filled? 

21. From among whom should a successor be 
chosen? Why from among them? For how long a 
time was Jesus known to his disciples? 

22. Did the baptism of John precede the mission 
of Jesus? Why was Jesus baptized by him? What 
particular influence had the resurrection irpon the 



6 



BIBLE LESSONS ON THE 



truth of Christianity? Could the apostles be de- 
ceived in reference to this? Had they any motive 
for deceiving others ? 

24. To whom was this praj* er addressed ? Did Je- 
eus claim this prerogative for himself? Was there 
a certainty that Jesus had chosen either of these 
two? 

25. Does the ministry and apostleship mean the 
came thing? To whom does his own place refer? 
If to Judas, what is its meaning? Had Judas ever 
a part of the apostleship? If his own place refers 
to future punishment, does it show that there is a 
necessary connection between sin and misery? 

26. Does this authorize the habit of casting lots ? 
Were there any instances of drawing lots under the 
Old Testament? W T ere these of divine appointment? 
Is Matthias afterward known as an apostle? What 
one did our Lord afterward choose for this purpose? 
To what circumstance of former Scripture history 
did the number twelve refer? What does Jesus say 
of the twelve who had followed him ? 



LESSON III.— Acts ii. 1-13. 

1. What is the meaning of Pentecost? How many 
days after the Passover was this feast? What did it 
commemorate? What are meant by all, and one 
accord? Was this a private or a public place? At 
what period of the day was it? What was the pub- 
lic service of the third hour? 

2. Why was the Holy Ghost designated by wind? 
What scene in the Old Testament was like this ? Was 
this such a sound as would probably attract the no- 
tice of others? If the disciples were in the temple, 
did it fill the whole of that? 



ACTS OP THE APOSTLES. 



7 



3. What did the cloven tongues represent? What 
was pointed out by their fiery appearance? Whose 
declaration did this fulfil ? Who were each of them ? 

4. Who is the Holy Ghost? Was this an extraor- 
dinary influence? What are his ordinary influences? 
Were these two necessarily connected! What were 
other tongues? Did they probably all speak? Do 
you understand this as a perfect knowledge of other 
languages? When were the languages of men di- 
vided? Do you perceive any similarity between 
these two occasions? Have we any reason now to 
expect the gift of tongues ? How then shall all na- 
tions be converted unto Christ? 

5. Does devout men mean pious or godly men? 
Were these all Jews ? Does the term divelling imply 
a permanent residence? Was the expression "out 
of every nation under heaven," a literal one? What 
brought so many strangers to Jerusalem at this 
time? 

6. When what was noised abroad ? Would it pro- 
bably be soon known? Does it mean that any mira- 
culous method was used to make it known? Did 
they hear each one speak all languages ? 

7. Was there an apparent confusion in their speak- 
ing? Were the apostles known to the multitude? 
Were any speaking but the twelve? How could men 
of different nations express their astonishment to 
each other? What is meant by Galileans? 

8. Does every man refer to the disciples, or to 
the multitude ? Did the whole multitude probably 
hear each one? Does not this imply the accuracy 
of their method of speaking other languages ? 

9. 10. Was the language of Judea a strange one 
for Galileans ? What is meant by proselytes ? Does 
this expression refer to all, or only to the strangers 
of Rome ? 

11. What were the wonderful works of God of 
which the disciples would then speak ? Does not the 



8 



. BIBLE LESSONS ON THE 



speech of Peter show us what the other disciples 
generally said ? 

12, 13. What led any to suppose the disciples 
drunken? Who were these that thus reproached 
them ? Was this gift of tongues a necessary gift for 
the church ? To whom were the tongues for a sign ? 
Which was the greater gift, tongues or prophecy? 
Did St. Paul speak with tongues ? W r as the use of 
this gift subject to the will of the possessor? 



LESSON IV.— Acts ii. 14-21. 

14. Was Peter the only one that spake? Were 
the rest probably silent now ? To whom did Peter 
particularly address himself ? Does rot the expres- 
sion "lift up his voice," imply that he was speaking 
to the whole multitude ? Does not this address point 
out who were the deriders ? In what language then 
did he speak ? 

15. What reason did Peter give why they could 
not be drunken ? What time of the Jewish day was 
the third hour ? Did he not design to reprove their 
uncharitableness ? State some of the customs of the 
feast ? Was this a day of peculiar solemnity ? 

16. What prophecy did this fulfil ? W T as this whole 
prophecy fulfilled at this time ? 

17. What is meant by the last days? How long 
were these days to continue ? Did not this expres- 
sion refer particularly to the Jewish state? Was 
that soon to be overtkrown ? What is the Spirit? 
Is this spirit lessened by being poured out upon 
others ? Does this refer to the ordinary or the mira- 
culous gifts of the Spirit ? Does all Jlesh mean all 
mankind? every individual, or some of all ranks 
and ages? What is meant by prophesy? Is there 



ACTS OF THE APOSILES. 



9 



any instance in the Acts of this ? What js the differ- 
ence in the Scriptures between visions and dreams ? 

18. To what class of society does this refer ? Does 
difference of human rank make any difference in the 
sight of God ? Did this promise go against any J ew- 
ish notions ? Who does St. Paul say were called to 
the work of the gospel? Can the station of man 
form any prejudice against him in Christian society ? 

19. By what was this effusion of the Spirit to be 
followed? Was this prophecy intended to be lite- 
rally fulfilled ? Did it not refer to some things which 
were seen before the destruction of Jerusalem? 
State some of those signs. To what did these last 
words refer ? Were there such appearances ? 

20. Was this literally fulfilled then? To what 
might it refer, as a proper accomplishment, in the 
Jewish state? What was designed by "that great 
and notable day of the Lord?" Does this prophecy 
point to any thing still future to be accomplished ? 
Will it be literally fulfilled then? To whom alone 
does our Saviour say the hour is known ? What are 
the two references, then, which this prophecy has ? 

21. Supposing it to refer to the Jewish destruc- 
tion, to whom does the Lord relate ? What then 
is meant by the word saved? Were all the Chris- 
tians preserved in the destruction of Jerusalem? 
Were none others delivered ? Supposing it to refer 
to the last day, does the Lord mean the same per- 
son ? What is implied in calling upon the name of the 
Lord ? Will any other method of deliverance then 
avail? Will this be surely sufficient? Shall any 
perish who call upon the name of the Lord ? What 
two arguments for Christianity are contained in this 






BIBLE LESSONS ON TIIE 



LESSON V.— Acts ii. 22-36. 

22. Why was Jesus called of Nazareth? What 
is the meaning of approved of God ? Does this im- 
ply their knowledge of Jesus ? How was he mani- 
fested to them ? Were the miracles of Jesus public ? 
State some of them, which must have been known ? 
How did God work these by Christ? 

23. Had the Jews power over Christ, further than 
was permitted ? What is meant by the determinate 
counsel and foreknowledge of God ? By whose hands 
was he crucified and slain ? To what class of per- 
sons generally was the punishment of the cross 
confined ? 

24. Did not Christ raise himself by his own power ? 
How long was he under the bonds of death ? Why 
was it not possible for him to be longer held ? 

25. Where did David record this prediction ? Did 
he there speak in the name of Christ ? 

26. What was the joy set before Jesus? Did he 
ever manifest a desire to finish his sufferings ? What 
was the ground of his hope ? 

27. Did the soul of Christ descend into hell? Do 
the Scriptures give much knowledge of this separate 
state ? Who is this Holy One ? 

28. What is meant by the tvay of Ufef Did this 
latter expression refer to the resurrection ? 

29. Why might not David have spoken all this of 
himself? Why is he called the Patriarch David ? 

30. Was Christ of the seed of David ? Was he the 
successor whom David expected ? Did Christ sit on 
the throne o* David ? Is he ever called by the name 
of David ? 

31. Did David speak by inspiration ? What does 
he say of himself in his last words ? Could this 
declaration have been known before, as applicablo 
to Christ? 



ACTS OF THE APOSTLES. 11 



32. Do Jesus and Christ mean the same ? Who 
were witnesses of this ? Did they see him raised ? 
Was there ever a resurrection from the dead before ? 
What were types of this under the Old Testament ? 

33. Where was Jesus exalted? Did this prove 
him to be the Messiah ? Was this promise a matter 
of expectation ? Was the work of Christ finished be- 
fore this effusion of the Holy Ghost ? 

34. Did David refer to Christ in this expression? 
Does Christ himself quote this ? Was not David in 
heaven ? Where is this prediction ? 

35. What ancient habit does this refer to? Have 
the foes of Christ ever been wholly subdued ? Did 
not this warn the Jews of their ruin, if they still re* 
fused him ? 

36. What are the two grounds upon which he 
claims their assent to the true character of Jesus ? 
Had the house of Israel any prejudices against this 
character ? Is not this the foundation of the gos- 
pel? What is the difference between Lord and 
Christ ? For whom was Jesus crucified ? Shall he 
reign over all such ? 



LESSON VI— Acts ii. 37-47. 

87. What was the particular fact of which they 
were now convinced ? Were the whole multitude 
convinced of this ? What is the meaning of the ex- 
pression " pricked in their heart" ? For what were 
they anxious ? 

38. Did Peter give them hope of forgiveness ? 
What was the ground of that hope? What would a 
true repentance imply for them ? Did Peter require 
any other submission ? What did their baptism sig- 
nify ? Must they not have been deeply humbled to 
have submitted to this baptism ? Was there any 



12 



BIBLE LESSONS ON THE 



other promise to them besides forgiveness ? Was thia 
the same bestowal of the Holy Ghost which the 
apostles had received ? 

89. What promise is referred to ? Was this premise 
confined to the Jews? By what instrument were 
they to be called ? Have all these ever been called ? 

40. Was this the whole of Peter's address ? Did 
he manifest any peculiar earnestness in this address ? 
How were they to save themselves ? To whom is 
this last allusion ? What was the great evidence of 
their perverseness ? From what ruin were they ex- 
horted to escape ? 

41. Was this exhortation in vain? What word 
did they gladly receive ? Were they immediately 
baptized ? How many were thus added ? Was this 
probably the result of Peter's single address ? Did 
these persons continue in their Christian profes- 
sion? 

42. Did they make any sacrifices for Jesus ? What 
was the apostle's doctrine and fellowship ? What is 
meant by the breaking of bread? Did these persons 
probably include those of all nations ? Does this 
prove that other apostles also were addressing them ? 
Were their conversions all in one place ? 

43. What effect did this produce on others ? Did 
the apostles now begin to work miracles ? What 
would be the probable cause of this fear? In whose 
name were these miracles wrought ? 

44. Does it mean that these three thousand dwelt 
together? What peculiar reasons were there why 
there should be this community of goods? Were 
there not many strangers here ? Would they not re- 
quire assistance ? Why would they now particularly 
require it ? 

45. To what extent of property or persons did 
this community of goods reach ? Did this become 
a general habit among Christians ? Was not thia 
a strong argument of the sincerity of their faith? 



ACTS OP THE APOSTLES. 



13 



46. Where did they habitually resort ? Did they 
meet elsewhere? What was the reason of their 
gladness? What is meant by singleness cf heart f 
Bid they still conform to Jewish customs ? 

47. What was their chief subject of praise ? Were 
they generally acceptable to men ? Were they not 
persecuted? What vt as the reason of their having 
favour with the people ? Who is the Lord ? Wha* 
is the church ? Who are thus pointed out ? 



1. At what time did this event probably occur? 
By what title does the Apostle Paul distinguish Peter 
and John ? How long did Christians probably attend 
upon Jewish ordinances ? Was this attendance ne- 
cessary for Gentile converts ? How many daily 
hours of prayer were there ? What were they called, 
and to what hour of the day did they correspond? 
Are they all mentioned in the Acts ? 

2. Was this the first miracle which the apostles 
wrought after the ascension of Christ ? Is there 
evidence that the man was entirely a cripple ? 
W T hich was the Beautiful gate of the temple ? For 
what purpose would those who entered the temple 
have money? 

3. Is it probable that he knew Peter and John? 
How long had he been a cripple ? Had he been 
laid at the gate of the temple so long ? 

4. Were the apostles always able to perform such 
miracles as they pleased ? Is there evidence that 
they had particular direction to perform this ? Pid 
John unite with Peter in performing this miracle? 
What reason did Jesus give for their inability to 
cast out devils on one occasion ? Is it said that 
they had faith on this occasion t 




s w f / & j 

LESSON VII.^-Acts iii. 1-11. 



14 



BIBLE LESSONS ON THE 



5. Did tlie man expect this cure ? Was his own 
faith necessary to effect it? 

G. Did Peter mean he owned no money, or that he 
had none with him at that time ? "Was not this 
after the community of goods? Does it not show 
that the apostles were not enriched by that ? "Were 
they required to be always poor ? Did the apostles 
ever work miracles in their own names ? Did they 
always use the name of Jesus ? Did Jesus ever re- 
fer to any other power in performing his miracles ? 
Do not these two facts prove his divinity ? 

7. Was this an immediate restoration to perfect 
soundness ? Were any of the miraculous cures in 
the Scriptures gradual? 

8. Do these expressions state what would natu- 
rally have taken place ? For what purpose might 
he be supposed to go into the temple ? Were these 
last the natural expressions of his joy? To whom 
Is praise always due for every mercy ? What pro- 
phecy did this literally fulfil ? 

9. Was this a public miracle? Did it excite atten- 
tion among the people ? 

10. Might not the people be deceived by some im- 
posture under these circumstances ? Were they con- 
rinced of the true character of Jesus by this miracle ? 
Why should this excite wonder ? Had they not seen 
Jie miracles of Jesus ? 

11. What was his motive probably in holding 
l?eter and John ? Would there be many people ne- 
cessarily in the temple at this time ? For what pur- 
pose had they assembled ? Do you read elsewhere 
of Solomon's porch ? Did the apostles leave the 
people immediately ? Which of them addressed tht 
multitude ? Did he generally speak upon such occa- 
sions ? 



ACTS OF THE APOSTLES. 15 



LESSON VIII. —Acts iii. 12-26. 

12. What did Peter see ? In addressing the peo- 
ple, did he wish only to give an account of this 
miracle? What was his great object? Why should 
they not particularly wonder at this ? Did the peo- 
ple suppose they had done it by their own power ? 
What influence could the holiness of the apostles be 
supposed to have? Had none but holy men ever 
performed miracles ? Does not this verse show that 
the apostles had no selfish ends ? 

13. Would the Jews be disposed to reverence the 
God of their fathers ? Where did God first proclaim 
this title ? Was this miracle an evidence that Jesus 
was his Son? How had God glorified him? To 
whom did the Jews deliver him up ? What did they 
deny respecting Jesus ? What is meant by the pre- 
sence of Pilate ? Was Pilate satisfied of his inno- 
cence ? Did he try to release him ? What argu- 
ment of the Jews prevailed with Pilate to crucify 
him? 

14. By whom had Christ been called the Holy 
One? Where is he styled the Just, or Righteous, or 
Righteousness ? Does it merely mean that he was 
personally honest ? Who was this murderer ? Why 
was he released ? 

15. Did the Jews kill Jesus? Why is he called 
the Prince of Life ? What is the contrast which Peter 
here makes ? What was currently reported among 
the Jews in reference to the resurrection of Christ ? 

16. In whose name ? Whose faith is referred to ? 
Was faith always necessary in working miracles? 
Was it the name of Christ, or faith in his name, 
which effected this ? What must be understood by 
such a faith as this? Was it a gift of the Holy 
Ghost? 

17. Do any other texts declare this ignorance of 



10 



BIBLE LESSONS ON THE 



the Jews? "Was this ignorance an excuse? Can 
ignorance be generally so regarded ? Were they all 
ignorant of the real character of Christ ? What was 
Peter's object in this apparent excuse? 

18. Did the Jews voluntarily fulfil the Scripture 
in the death of Christ ? What particular fact is here 
referred to as foretold ? Had all the prophets fore- 
told this? Who spake by the prophets? Undei 
what character did Christ suffer? 

19. What peculiar guilt had the Jews contracted ? 
Could repentance remove it ? What is repentance ? 
Is conversion the same ? Why were they exhorted 
to conversion ? To whom were they to be converted ? 
What is meant by blotted out ? Could their sins be 
really forgotten ? What is meant by a time of re- 
freshing? Was it to be a public or a private bless- 
ing? Could their conversion hasten it? Is the 
time of conversion always a time of refreshing? 
From whom must this refreshing come ? 

20. How was Jesus Christ to be sent again ? Does 
he come to every converted heart? How is he to 
dwell within us X What will be his future coming ? 
Will that be a time of refreshing to his people ? By 
whom had Jesus Christ been preached unto them ? 

21. Is Jesus still in heaven? For how long must 
he dwell there exclusively ? Will he ever appear in 
person again to men ? What is meant by the times 
of restitution ? Had God spoken of such a time ? 
To whom will all the kingdoms of the world be 
given? Does it mean that each prophet foretold 
all these things, or that they could be collected from 
all their works ? Had there been prophets literally 
since the world began ? 

22. When did Moses utter this prophecy? Was 
Christ this prophet ? Was he of their brethren ? 
In what respects was he like Moses ? Were they all 
required to obey him ? 

23. What was the penalty of their refusal to 



ACTS OF THE APOSTLES. 



1" 



obey ? From among what people were they to bo 
destroyed ? Was this an important argument with 
the Jews ? Could they deny the authority of Moses ? 
Could they disprove the application of this pro- 
phecy to Christ ? 

24. Were there any prophets between Moses and 
Samuel ? Was he a prophet ? Where did he speak 
of Christ ? Did all the prophets speak of the coming 
of Christ ? Does not this verse imply that some ot 
them did not ? What days are referred to ? 

25. What peculiar obligation had the Jews to re- 
ceive this exhortation ? How were they the children 
of the prophets ? Was the covenant with Abraham 
the great covenant of grace ? Was he considered as 
a representative of others ? Of whom was he a repre- 
sentative ? Who was this seed of Abraham ? Is he 
declared so to be ? How have all kindreds of the 
earth been blessed through him ? 

26. To whom did Jesus first send his disciples? 
Was Jesus first sent to them? For what purpose 
was he sent ? What was the great blessing he came 
to bestow ? How could he be still said to be sent to 
them after his ascension ? Could they be blessed 
without turning from their iniquities ? Did Jesus 
turn every one of the Jews from their iniquities? 
Why did he not ? Did he offer them, in any respects, 
a temporal salvation ? 



LESSON IX.— Acts iv. 1-22. 

1. Where were they addressing the people? 
Would these persons probably have been in the tem- 
ple at that time ? What was the office of the cap- 
tain of the temple ? Why should the Sadduceea 
unite in this persecution ? 

2 



13 



BJBLE LESSONS ON THE 



2. Had the priests and Sadducees the same ground 
of complaint ? Why did the priests object to their 
teaching the people ? Why did the Sadducees object 
to their preaching the resurrection of the dead? 

3. Why did they imprison the apostles ? At what 
time did Peter and John go up to the temple? 

4. Had their preaching any effect among the 
people ? What did they believe ? Were these five 
thousand in addition to the three thousand converted 
before ? 

5. 6. What was the title of the Jewish council ? 
Was it composed altogether of Jews ? Could there 
be two high-priests at the same time ? Was not 
Caiaphas the high-priest now? 

7. For what were the apostles to be examined ? 
If this refers to the miracle, did they suspect them 
of enchantment ? Was this lawful ? What was then 
the desire of the council ? 

8. Was this a fulfilment of any declaration of 
Christ ? How long was it, probably, since Peter 
denied, before these persons, that he knew Jesus? 
Did he acknowledge here the authority of the coun- 
cil ? What was the precept of Jesus respecting this ? 

9. In what respect was this a good deed ? Was 
the man present with them ? What was this point 
to be examined ? 

10. Did Peter give the same account now which 
he had given before ? Does he charge them with 
the guilt of Christ's death ? How many times had 
he testified to the resurrection ? If this council 
had not been convinced of the truth of this, would 
they not have charged them with stealing the body 
of Jesus ? 

Hi What prediction did Peter quote? Of what 
building is Christ the chief corner-stone ? How nad 
he been set at nought ? How had he become the 
head of the corner? 

12. To what salvation does Peter refer? To what 



ACTS OF THE APOSTLES. 



19 



does any other refer ? Was the name of Jesus given 
among men ? Could there be any salvation unless it 
Were thus given ? Why must we be saved through 
him ? Are we compelled to be saved ? How had 
the Jews expected salvation ? W r as that method pos- 
sible? Had any been saved through Jesus before 
his appearance ? 

13. Did they perceive this from their manner of 
speaking ? Were the apostles ignorant men ? What 
was the particular reason for their astonishment? 
Y/hat is meant by taking knowledge of them ? "When 
had they seen them with Jesus ? W T hat did they 
wish to account for by this ? 

14. Did the lame man show himself grateful? 
What declaration of Jesus do these last words fulfil? 
How did they wish to account for this miracle ? 

15. Did the council wish to conceal their hesita- 
tion from the apostles ? W T hy did they not punish 
them at once ? 

16. Did they believe that this was a miracle? 
Why did they not then submit to Jesus ? Had this 
miracle become public ? In what way did they first 
wish to suppress the apostles ? 

17. When this could not be done, what was their 
next object? What did they not wish to spread? 
Why did they object to it? Was not this threat an 
acknowledgment of the truth of the apostles' state- 
ments? W r hat name was so obnoxious? 

18. What difference is there between the two parts 
of this charge? Did it refer to all occasions, or only 
to public ones? 

19. Were the council believers in God? Did they 
acknowledge that he had ever spoken unto men? 
Could they deny the conclusion of the apostles? 

20. Did this imply any disrespect to them as civil 
rulers? Was any thing of importance depending on 
their speaking? May we, under any circumstances, 
violate our own conscience to* please men? 



20 



BIBLE LESSONS ON THE 



21. IAd the council punish them for this increased 
boldness? Why did they not? Did the people doubt 
the truth of this miracle? Does it mean, literally, 
that all did give glory to God for this? 

22. What one of our Saviour's miracles was like 
this? Was this the first instance of persecution 
which the apostles endured ? Of what Christian trait 
do these apostles give us an example? 



LESSON X.— Acts iv. 23-35. 

23. Would it be probable that the disciples should 
be assembled at this time? For what? Were they 
discouraged by these threats ? 

24. Do you understand that they all spake toge- 
ther? How could all have united in the same words? 
Is there any proof that this was a precomposed form ? 
To whom did they address themselves? Why did 
they select this title of God? 

25. By what appellation did God call David? 
Where is this passage found? Did it first refer to 
Christ? Were they the heathen who were raging 
now? Why are these plans styled vain ? 

26. Do the words kings and rulers include all 
those in authority ? Had kings and rulers literally 
been united against Jesus? Do the terms Lord and 
Christ, here refer to the same person? Why is it 
his Christ ? What does Christ mean ? 

27. To what did the apostles apply this passage 
from the Psalms? In what sense could Jesus be 
called the child of God? How was he anointed? 
Were Herod and Pilate united in their persecution of 
Jesus? What particular circumstance is related of 
them at the trial of Jesus ? Were both Herod and 
Pilate governors of Judea ? Who were the Gentiles ? 



ACTS 01 THE APOSTLES. 



21 



Were the people of Israel disposed to unite with 
them? How were they gathered together against 
Jesus? Did they occupy the same hall of judg* 
ment? 

28. Did they accomplish the divine purposes in 
this persecution of Jesus? Was that their inten- 
tion? What do you understand by the hand and 
counsel of God? 

29. Were not all the purposes of God now fulfilled 
in reference to his Son ? What had the apostles to 
do ? Did they require divine aid ? What particular 
message required much boldness from them now? 
Were they disposed to draw back ? 

30. How should God assist and support them? Is 
this bodily healing or spiritual salvation? Were the 
apostles enabled to do signs and wonders? Were 
these miracles necessary for the establishment of 
Christian truth? 

31. Was God pleased to answer their prayer? In 
what method? Do you understand this to have been 
an earthquake ? Is there any other instance of such 
an interposition in the Acts ? Was this a new influ- 
ence of the Holy Ghost? Were they not before filled 
with his power? Does it mean that they began im- 
mediately to speak? What do you understand by 
boldness in speaking the word of God? 

32. How many believers were there at this time ? 
Of what Christian virtue have we here an example? 
Did they show any love for the things of this world ? 
How far is it now the duty of Christians to imitate 
this ? 

33. What is meant by great power ? Did the apos- 
tles still insist upon the same fact? What was that? 
Was it of great importance? What is meant by 
grace? To whom does all refer? 

34. Were there not many poor persons among the 
Christians ? Were they left in indigence ? In what 
way would many of them be likely to be reduced ? 



22 



BIBLE LESSONS ON THE 



35. Who were made the dispensers of this bountyt 
Did they enrich themselves ? To what extent waft 
this assistance probably given? 



LESSON XL— Acts iv. 36— v. 11. 

36. Why was Joseph called Barnabas ? By whom 
was he so called? Had the Levites any land in 
Judea? How were they supported? Where is Cy- 
prus ? 

37. Where was the land of Barnabas, probably? 
Was he one of the strangers who came to Jerusalem 
at this time ? To whom would he be likely to sell 
this estate? What seems to be implied in this last 
expression? Why was this instance particularly 
worthy of notice? 

v. — h Who are the first hypocrites of whom wc 
read in the Christian church? What were their pro- 
bable motives in selling this estate? 

2. Did they profess to bring the whole of the price 
of their land to the apostles ? Is there any circum- 
stance here which implies great hardness in guilt? 

3. Could Peter search the hearts of men? How 
should he have known the guilt of Ananias? Does 
not this remove all possible censure from Peter? Do 
we read elsewhere of the kind of discernment which 
Peter exercised on this occasion? Does he teach the 
existence of an evil spirit? Whom did Ananias wish 
to deceive? But against whom was imposition prac- 
tised in reality? What was the falsehood which this 
expression implies? 

4. Were the disciples under any obligation to 6ell 
their possessions? After having sold it, was ho 
obliged to give the money to the apostles? Does not 
this aggravate the guilt of Ananias? Does this tex> 



ACTS OF THE APOSTLES. 23 



teach us that the Holy Ghost is God ? In what %mst 
could he lie unto God? 

5. Did Ananias reply to this charge? Was this a 
divine judgment against his sin, or accidental? What 
is meant by giving up the ghost? Would this event 
be likely to make a solemn impression upon men? 

6. Who are meant by the young men? Were they 
not hasty in this interment? 

7. Was his wife acquainted with his death? How 
Jong after his death did she come in? In what place, 
probably, was Peter at this time? 

8. What price did Peter particularly designate? 
Did this show a preconcerted deception? 

9. Did they design to tempt the Spirit of the Lord ? 
Who is the Spirit of the Lord? Does there appear 
an undue severity in this transaction? 

10. Why was it necessary that such a punishment 
should be inflicted? Was there any instance, at the 
commencement of the Mosaic dispensation, of such 
severity? Would this be likely to deter others from 
such hypocrisy? Does not the speedy burial of these 
persons imply the acknowledgment that they di ed by 
a judgment of God? 

11. What is meant by the church? Why should 
true disciples fear? What would be the subject for 
fear with others ? Is disobedience less terrible, when 
not immediately punished ? Suppose these persons 
had been permitted to live, what difficulty would 
have arisen from the example ? Does this bring any 
argument against the mercy of God ? Does it show 
that he is not less just and holy inder the Gospel 
than under the Law ? 



24 



BIBLE LESSONS ON THE 



LESSON XII. —Acts v. 12-26. 

12. Were the miracles of the apostles wrought in 
private ? What is meant by the hands of the apostles t 
What do you understand by sigr.s and wonders ? 

15. Was the power of the apostles generally 
known? Did this conduct manifest a faith in the 
power of Christ? Why is Peter particularly men- 
tioned ? Why should they suppose his shadow would 
be of use ? 

16. Was the knowledge of these miracles spread 
abroad ? Would the doctrines of Jesus be likely to 
spread with the fame of these miracles ? Were any 
diseased persons rejected? 

12. Where did the disciples generally meet at this 
time? 

13. Who are meant by the rest? Did this union 
with the disciples mean a sincere act ? For what 
object might deceitful people be supposed to unite 
with them ? Why should they not dare to do it now? 
Who do you understand by the people ? 

14. In what did these persons believe? What is 
meant by being added to the Lord? Did the late 
exhibition of severity terrify any who were sincere? 
Were those who joined the disciples now to look for 
persecutions? 

17. Was this increase of the Christian church un- 
noticed by the council? What *was the particular 
doctrine of the Sadducees? Why should they be 
angry with the apostles ? 

18. Whom did they seize? Had the death of Ana- 
nias any influence upon this? Were these all the 
aposhes ? 

19. How long were the apostles confined? What 
divine promises are we led here to confide in ? Were 
others in the prison conscious of this visit of tho 
angel ? Is there any evidence of miraculous inter- 



ACTS OP THE APOSTLES. 25 



fercnce, farther than in the person who opened the 
doors? 

20. Whither were the apostles sent? What is 
meant by the words of this life ? For what would the 
people be assembled in the temple in the morning ? 

21. Did the apostles hesitate in obeying? What 
did they teach ? What occurred while they were 
there ? What do you understand by the senate of 
the children of Israel? Where did they send for the 
apostles? 

22. 23. How could the prison have been opened 
without the knowledge of the keepers? Were not 
these circumstances calculated to excite much>atten- 
tion ? What expression of Paul's to Festus does this 
illustrate ? Had there been any imposture, must it 
not have been discovered ? 

24. About what did they doubt? What would 
they probably fear as the result of such remarkable 
circumstances ? How did they perhaps suppose the 
apostles had escaped ? 

25. Did the apostles manifest now, that their 
united prayer had been heard? What precept of our 
Saviour's did they here particularly fulfil? Would 
this conduct prove that they had not made their es- 
cape from prison, to be free from punishment? 

26. Whither did the officers bring the apostles? 
Were they disposed to offer them violence ? How were 
they restrained? Do you recognise no higher power 
in this than that of the people ? What expectations 
had those people who were yet unconverted? Would 
not the number of disciples have been a sufficient 
multitude to terrify the council ? Does God generally 
select the most probable or improbable means to 
accomplish his designs ? 



26 s 



BIBLE LESSONS ON THE 



LESSON Xin.— Acts v. 27-42. 

27. What prediction of Christ did this fulfil? 

28. To which of the apostles must this have been 
particularly addressed? Under what penalty, pro- 
bably, was this command given ? How could they be 
said to have filled Jerusalem with their doctrine? 
Does not this imply great publicity in the conduct of 
the apostles ? What did they mean particularly by 
this last expression ? Would they have used it, if 
they had not been conscious of their injustice toward 
Jesus? 

29. Does this seem to imply that more than Peter 
and John were brought ? Did they refer to what 
they had said before? Is not this principle always 
obligatory? What contrast between God and men 
is implied? 

80. Did the apostles still assert the same fact? 
Was not this appellation of God calculated to gain 
attention among the Jews ? Was crucifixion ever a 
Jewish punishment? Did not the law allow the hang- 
iDg of malefactors ? 

31. How had God exalted Jesus? Was he not be- 
fore divine ? What is the office of Christ as a Prince? 
What is his office as a Saviour? Does this mean to 
confine these gifts to Israel? For what reason are 
the Israelites particularly mentioned? Does Jesus 
still give repentance? Cannot man repent at his 
own pleasure or by his own power ? How has Jesus 
been made able to grant forgiveness ? 

32. What things were referred to ? How was the 
Holy Ghost a witness? Was n*t this witness more 
convincing than the general manifestation of Jesus 
in person would have been? Can men obey God 
Without the Holy Ghost? 

33. Was it the boldness of the apostles, or the 
subject of their address, which offended the council? 



ACTS OF THE APOSTLES. 27 



What is meant by their being cut to the heart 9 Un- 
der what pretence could they slay the apostles ? 

34. Was there any jealousy between the Pharisees 
and Sadducees ? Might not this have operated upon 
Gamaliel ? Have we any other instance of this I 
What is meant by a doctor of the law ? Who was taught 
by this Gamaliel ? Why should he wish the apostles 
removed? Does this last expression refer to time 
or place ? 

35. Are we not to consider Gamaliel here as an 
instrument of Divine Providence ? What evil re- 
sults would he look for in the punishment of the 
apostles ? 

36. 37. Do we read of these persons elsewhere in 
the Scriptures ? What period is included in these 
days ? Was this a time when many impostors would 
arise? On what account? What character would 
they assume? By whom would their followers be 
likely to be destroyed and brought to nothing? 
What taxing is referred to ? Why should that be a 
favourable time to excite rebellion? What does 
Jesus say of all who came thus before him ? 

38. Why was it reasonable to suppose that this 
design would have failed if it had been of men ? Did 
Gamaliel intend that they should be entirely at 
liberty ? 

39. Why should he suppose it possible it might be 
from God ? Did the Jews generally believe in the 
Providence of God ? Did'any one of their prophets 
warn against this ? 

40. Did the council seem willing to agree to the 
advice of Gamaliel ? Was this the first bodily punish- 
ment which the apostles suffered ? What prediction 
of their Master did it fulfil ? What was the par- 
ticular object which the council wished to secure? 
Would they have forbidden the miracles if they had 
not been united with the teaching? 

41. What were the feelings of the apostles under 



28 



BIBLE LESSONS ON THE 



persecutions ? What is Moses said to have pre- 
ferred? Are Christians now subjected to reproach 1 
Why are they to be of good cheer ? 

42. What was the great subject of the preaching 
of the apostles ? Do you understand this as simply 
telling of him, or as proclaiming the whole system 
of religion which he had introduced? W T here did 
they preach ? Must not the council have known it ? 
Why were they not punished ? What promise of 
Jesus, in reference to his church, has this whole his- 
tory fulfilled ? In that declaration might there not 
be a reference to this constant boldness of Peter in 
preaching the truth ? 



LESSON XIV.— Acts vi. 1-11. 

1. What period of time is here referred to ? IIow 
large was the number of disciples ? Were these Gre- 
cians, Jews ? What is the distinction between Gre- 
cians and Hebrews ? What was the subject of 
complaint ? What was the origin of their daily 
ministrations ? Why was it probable that the Gre- 
cian widows should be particularly neglected ? 

2. Did this complaint imply any injustice in the 
apostles ? From what cause, probably, did this un- 
equal distribution proceed? To whom does the 
whole multitude of disciples refer? Would it be 
reasonable there should be a general assembly of the 
converts upon this subject? What is meant by the 
word of God? What is intended by serving tables? 
Were these probably public tables ? Why was it not 
reasonable that the apostles should attend to this ? 

3. Did the apostles assume any authority in this 
matter ? Wby was this election committed to the mul- 



ACTS OF THE APOSTLES. 



29 



titude ? What is meant by honest report 9 Why should 
they be filled with the Holy Ghost ? What is meant 
by tvisdom ? What is the difference between choosing 
and appointing ? 

4. What were the peculiar duties of the apostles ? 
With what is the ministry of the word contrasted ? 

5. How many men were chosen upon this occa- 
sion ? Were they Jews, Hebrews, or Grecians ? 
Were they appointed as preachers ? What is the pe- 
culiar character of Stephen ? What do you under- 
stand by faith? What is the meaning of proselyte? 

6. Who presented the seven to the apostles ? Who 
are said to have prayed ? Why did the apostles lay 
their hands upon them? To what office are they 
generally said to have been appointed ? What do 
you understand by that name ? What are the duties 
of that office in the Christian church ? 

7. Did the work of conversion go on among the 
Jews ? How could the word of God be said to have 
increased? Where were the disciples still resident? 
What is meant by being obedient to the faith 9 Is it 
surprising that the priests should have embraced the 
religion of Jesus ? 

8 To what peculiar elevation was Stephen now 
brought ? In what way was his divine appointment 
manifested ? What is meant by power ? 

9. Did Stephen probably preach in these syna- 
gogues ? What is meant by a synagogue ? Were 
there many synagogues in Jerusalem ? What were 
the common services of the synagogue? For what 
purposes did they dispute with Stephen ? 

10. Why were they not able to resist him ? What 
do you understand by wisdom ? W T hat is meant by 
the Spirit ? What promise of our Saviour was here 
fulfilled ? 

11. What is meant by suborned ? What is meant 
by blasphemous words f Can blasphemy be uttered 
against man? Why was Moses peculiarly reve- 



30 



BIBLE LESSONS ON THE 



renced ? 'What was the remark of the Pharisees to 
the man born blind in regard to Moses ? Was blas- 
phemy against Moses attered also against God ? 
What is the rule which Jesus has made in reference 
to his ministers ? 



LESSON XV.— Acts vi. 12— vii. 14. 

12. "What punishment did the law prescribe for 
blasphemy ? Who thus stirred up the people ? What 
is meant by elders and scribes? Whither did they 
carry him ? Was this the same council that has been 
before spoken of? 

13. Were these literally false witnesses ? Would 
they not have considered the predictions of Jesus as 
this blasphemy ? What holy place is referred to ? 
What is meant by the law? 

14. Had Jesus foretold the destruction of Jeru- 
salem ? Was he to destroy it himself? By whom 
was it to be done? What are meant by these cus- 
toms? Did Jesus design to abolish them? Is it 
likely that Stephen had proclaimed the abolition of 
the law ? What was the real motive of this perse 
cution ? 

15. What do you understand by this description 
of the countenance of Stephen? Had there ever been 
an instance of this appearance before ? Would not 
this imply great obduracy in the council, in their 
subsequent proceedings ? 

vii. — 1. To whom did the high-priest address 
himself? Was this a regular form of trial? Did 
they intend to allow Stephen to make his defence? 

2. What were the particular charges against which 
Stephen defended himself? How did he prove that 
his declarations of the destruction of the temple and 
the law had not been blasphemous? What were 



ACTS OF THE APOSTLES. 



31 



some of his arguments in his own defence ? Why 
did he commence with so early a history ? To what 
book are we -'here referred ? Was it before the law 
and the temple that God appeared to Abraham? 
Did not that show that neither of them were abso- 
lutely necessary ? Where was Abraham's first resi- 
dence ? Whither did he remove from thence ? Did 
ke go alone ? Where is this related ? 

3. Was it an idolatrous land from which Abraham 
was brought ? W T hat does Joshua say to the Israel- 
ites in reference to it? Did Abraham leave his 
tountry and friends at the divine command ? What 
3oes St. Paul say of this in his Epistle to the He- 
Drews ? 

4. Where did the father of Abraham* die ? Whither 
lid God command him to go after this ? What land 
*e here referred to ? How long did Abraham dwell 
m this land ? How do you learn that? 

5. Had Abraham a possession in this land ? How 
did he dwell there ? How much of the land did God 
promise him ? Where is that related ? Was this a 
trial of Abraham's faith ? How long after this pro- 
mise was Isaac born? 

6. Did the family of Abraham continue to occupy 
this land ? To what country were they to be brought ? 
How long were they to remain there? Were the 
Israelites in bondage during all that time ? 

7. What is meant here by judging? Did God 
punish the Egyptians? In what way? To what 
place were they to return ? W T here is this promise 
recorded ? 

8. Of what was circumcision the sign ? Of what 
does St. Paul say it was the seal ? Why did Stephen 
refer to this? Was circumcision continued in the 
Christian church? What controversy was there 
about it ? Who were the twelve patriarchs ? Why 
are they so called ? 

0. Why did Stephen refer to this? Was it not 



32 



BIBLE LESSONS ON THE 



calculated to irritate his hearers? How was God 
with Joseph ? 

10. What were these afflictions ? What were the 
circumstances which gave Pharaoh a knowledge of 
Joseph? What was the particular mark of his con- 
fidence in Joseph's wisdom ? 

11. In what part of the Old Testament is this re- 
lated ? How long was this famine ? Who are meant 
bj our fathers ? 

12. Which of them were first sent ? How should 
there be corn in Egypt if the dearth were there 
also? 

13 Did the same number go the second time? 
By what circumstance were they detained? Had 
Joseph been known to Pharaoh before? Did not the 
butler say he was a Hebrew? 

14. How old was Jacob when he went down to 
Egypt ? How many does Moses say went with him ? 
In what part of Egypt were they settled? What 
was Stephen's object in this long introduction ? 



LESSON XVI.— Acts vii. 15-36. 

15. How long did Jacob live in Egypt? At what 
age did he die ? Did his sons all die in the same 
land? 

16. Where was Jacob buried? Where were his 
eons probably buried ? Where is the account of this 
purchase ? To which of his sons did Jacob give this 
field? 

17. What was the time of the fulfilment of this 
promise? What was the number of the Israelites 
when they left Egypt? 

18. What is meant by his not knowing Joseph? 
Where is this declared? 



ACTS OF THE APOSTLES. 33 



19. In what service were the Israelites employed ? 
What command was given by Pharaoh in reference 
to the male children ? What reason was given for 
this order? How were the children to be destroyed ? 

20. What particular time is designated? Why 
was not Moses destroyed ? How did his parents at 
last avoid the king's command ? 

21. What is meant by his being cast out? Where 
was he educated? Did Pharaoh's daughter know 
him to be a Hebrew? What rank did this give to 
him ? 

22. Were the Egyptians remarkable for their learn- 
ing ? Did Moses dwell at all among the Israelites ? 
Why did Stephen enlarge so much upon the history 
of Moses ? 

23. Had he probably been acquainted with his 
family before this time ? In what way does the 
Apostle Paul describe his forsaking the court of 
Pharaoh ? Where were the children of Israel ? 

24. From whom did this man suffer wrong ? How 
did he attempt to conceal the death of the Egyptian ? 

25. Why should he have expected this? Did the 
Israelites acknowledge him at first? What is meant 
by his hand? 

26. Did Moses attempt to exercise any authority 
with them ? What was his argument with them ? 

27. 28. What was Stephen's view in referring to 
their rejection of Moses? Did not this retort the 
charge of disrespect to him upon them ? 

29. Whither did Moses go ? With whom did he 
ive in Midian ? By what circumstances did he be- 
come known to him ? What connection did he form in 
his family ? 

30. How long did he remain in Midian ? How was 
he occupied in the desert? Are Horeb and Sinai the 
eame? Who appeared to him? Of what was this 
bush an emblem? 

81. Why did Moses approach the bush ? Did thig 

3 



34 



BIBLE LESSONS ON THE 



-epresent also the present state of the Christian 
church? "Who spake to him from the bush? Are 
God and the angel the same ? What is meant by tht 
voice of the Lord? 

32. "What peculiar title did God assume upon this 
occasion ? In what way had he shown himself the 
God of the patriarchs? What does the history say 
that Moses did ? 

33. What was this meant to signify? Why was 
this ground holy? What precept of Solomon's is ex- 
plained by this ? 

34. What is meant by this repetition ? How can 
God be said to come down? Was Moses willing to 
be sent? By what signs was he to make himself 
known ? 

35 Did Stephen impute this rejection to all the 
people ? What conclusion were they to draw from 
this evident mistake ? What is meant by the hand of 

the angel? 

36. From whence did Moses bring them ? How 
many miracles did he work in Egypt? What mira- 
cles were peformed in the wilderness ? How long 
did they wander there? Had Stephen now defended 
himself from the charge of blasphemy against Moses? 



LESSON XVII.— Acts vii. 37-50. 

37. Why did he so particularly point out Moses ? 
Did Moses refer to Christ in that prophecy? In what 
sense was Christ a prophet? Was he raised up from 
among the Jews ? How was he like Moses ? Upon 
what occasion was this promise given? 

38. What is meant by the church in the wilderness? 
Does this refer to Moses or to Christ? Who was 
the angel who spake to Moses? What do the lively 



ACTS OF THE APOSTLES. 



35 



oracles refer to? Why are they called livery ora- 
cles? 

39. Was Moses frequently rejected by the Israel- 
ites? Was this a matter of their history? Upon 
what occasions did they thus desire to return to 
Egypt? 

40. When did they say this to Aaron? Did the 
Israelites really believe that these were their gods ? 
What was the peculiar extent of idolatry of which 
they were guilty at that time ? Where was Moses 
at that time ? How long was he absent from them ? 

41. What led them to select this form for an idol? 
In what days? Did they design to offer sacrifice to 
the image? What is the account given of their re- 
joicing ? 

- 42. Does this mean that God immediately gave 
them up ? What is meant by the host of heaven ? 
Would this probably be an early form of idolatry ? 
Does God ever punish men by giving them up to their 
sinful dispositions ? Where is this written? What 
is the meaning of this demand ? 

43. Does this refer to the same period of history? 
What is the tabernacle of Moloch? What was tho 
peculiar offering to Moloch? Does this refer to any 
religious ceremonies or processions? Is this last ex- 
pression the same as in the prophet? Why is it dif- 
ferent ? Whither were they carried ? 

44. Does this show their idolatry to have been 
more criminal than that of the heathen ? Why does 
Stephen refer to the worship of the tabernacle? Of 
what was this tabernacle a witness ? By whom was 
it appointed ? What do you understand by the fashion 
that he had seen ? 

45. To what does which refer ? W r as it another ge- 
neration which brought this tabernacle in ? Why 
was the former one destroyed ? Who is this Jesus ? 
Why were the Gentiles driven from the land ? To 
whom was that land first promised ? What remained 



86 



BIBLE LESSONS ON THE 



unto the days of David? How long was this after 

Moses ? 

46. Where is this request of David's recorded * 
What does he mean by a tabernacle ? Had they not 
one already ? Why was not David allowed to build 
it ? What preparation did he make for it? 

47. Was the temple then standing the same which 
Solomon built? In what sense could the temple be 
called the house of God? 

48. Did he say this to show that he was not guilty 
of blasphemy against the temple ? Does not his 
whole argument from the tabernacle and temple 
show them that he had great reverence for both, but 
that neither was of so much importance as they had 
supposed ? 

49. Where is this recorded ? How is heaven said 
to be the throne of God? What is intended by the 
earth being his footstool ? Did this imply that he 
would not accept the house they had built? 

50. How has the hand of God made all things? 
Why is this form of expression used? By what 
means did God make all things ? Did Stephen intend, 
by this, to throw contempt upon their temple? 



LESSON XVIII.— Acts vii. 51— viii. L 

51. What is the meaning of stiffnecked? What 
do you understand by uncircumcised in heart and 
ears? How had they resisted the Holy Ghost? Had 
the PU>iy Ghost been given to men under the law ? 
How had the fathers of the Jews resisted his power? 

52. Were the prophets generally persecuted by 
the Israelites ? Will you give some instances of it ? 
Did the Jews in Stephen's time approve of the mur- 
der of the prophets ? Why is Christ called the Jusl 



ACTS OF THE APOSTLES. 



37 



One? Had all the prophets foretold his coming? 
How could the Jewish council be said to have be* 
trayed and murdered him ? 

53. Had the Jews before despised great advan- 
tages ? What were they? How was the law given 
by the disposition of angels ? Did Jesus make this 
same charge against the Jews? Would this be par- 
ticularly calculated to offend them? 

54. Does this refer to the council? Was this in- 
dignation from sincere belief that their law was 
treated with contempt? Does the expression they 
were cut to the heart, mean they were convinced? 

55. What do you understand by Stephen's being 
full of the Holy Ghost ? Did this remove all terror 
from his mind ? What is meant by the glory of God? 
What is meant by God's right hand? Does this im* 
ply the dignity of Jesus ? 

56. Was this a real opening of the heavens, oi 
only a vision granted to Stephen ? Why did Stephen 
call Jesus by this title? What may be represented 
by Christ's standing on the right hand of God ? 

57. What was it that particularly offended them? 
Does this refer to the council or to the multitude ? 

58. W T hy did they drag him beyond the walls of 
the city? W r as stoning a punishment prescribed by 
the law ? For what offences ? Was this a regular 
legal condemnation, or an act of popular fury? What 
is meant by this act of the witnesses? By what 
precept was this required ? Who was Saul ? What 
does he say was his character at this time? 

59. Upon whom did Stephen call, in the hour of 
his death? Can a created being protect the soul of 
another ? Does not this show us to whom our souls 
should be intrusted ? 

60. Of what Christian duty did Stephen give the 
example ? For what end should he utter his prayer 
so loudly ? What is the particular meaning of this 
petition ? Does not this last expression imply that 



88 



BIBLE LESSONS ON THE 



he did not suffer pain in his martyrdom ? By what 
name is Stephen known in the Christian church ? 

viii. — 1. "Why is it particularly recorded that Saul 
consented to his death ? "Was this history written 
with the knowledge of Paul ? "What effect might 
the prayer of Stephen have had upon the conversion 
of Saul? 



LESSON XIX.— Acts viii. 1-13. 

1. How long after the ascension of Jesus was this 
persecution ? How large was the church probably 
at this time ? "What benefit arose to the world from 
this persecution ? Why did the apostles determine 
to continue in Jerusalem ? "Why were not they the 
subjects of martyrdom? 

2. Did not these men exhibit remarkable courage ? 
Was the death of Stephen an affliction or a blessing 
to the church ? "Were they who lamented, aware of 
the benefits which would result from it? 

3. "What is the comparison implied in this first ex- 
pression ? Was this done by authority of the coun- 
cil? Was Saul acting according to his own con- 
science, in this persecution ? Is conscience, then, a 
sufficient guide to man? 

4. What precept of their Master did the disciples 
now fulfil ? What is meant by preaching the word ? 
Were all the disciples ordained preachers of the 
word? By what authority did any others preach ? 

5. Was this Philip the apostle ? In what direction 
was Samaria from Jerusalem ? Is preaching Christ 
the same as preaching the word ? 

G. What advantage had the gospel among the Sa- 
maritans, which it had not among the Gentiles! 
Were there any natural prejudices of the Samaritans, 



ACTS OF THE APOSTLES. 89 



in opposition to the preaching of Philip ? Did the 
miracles of the apostles generally convince men? 
Was there not a divine preparation here for the 
preaching of the gospel ? 

7. What is meant by unclean spirits? Were there 
frequent instances of this kind of malady at that 
time ? Were the Christian miracles generally of a 
public character ? How did they confirm the truth 
of the doctrine of Christ ? 

8. What city is referred to ? What was the cause 
of this joy? 

9. By what name is this man generally known ? 
What do you understand by sorcery? Does bewitched 
mean merely that he deceived them? Or that he 
really exercised some spiritual influence over them ? 
What is meant by some great one ? 

10. Had Simon been generally acceptable to the 
Samaritans ? Under what character was he received 
by them ? Did the Samaritans expect a Messiah ? 

11. Why did they pay such a regard to him? What 
was the peculiar character of the Messiah for which 
they looked ? Did they find any thing like this in 
Simon ? Was there any reality in these enchant- 
ments and magic ? 

12. What was the instrument of bringing them 
from this ignorance ? What were the things which 
Philip probably preached to them ? What is implied 
in the name of Jesus Christ? Did their baptism im- 
ply their real acceptance of the gospel ? What did 
this baptism represent ? 

13. What did Simon believe? Was his heart truly 
changed ? Can an unconverted man be a believer ? 
Upon what ground was Simon baptized ? By what 
circumstances was he particularly persuaded? Was 
this the same feeling which his own magic had ex- 
cited among the Samaritans? Have we a right to 
receive unholy persons to the ordinances of the 
ehurch ? 



BIBLE LESSONS ON THE 



LESSON XX.— Acts Yin. 14-25. 

14. Why did the apostles remain at Jerusalem ? 
What is meant by the word of God ? Does Samaria 
refer to the country or to a city of that name ? For 
what purpose were Peter and John sent forth? Does 
this not prove that Peter had no pre-eminence among 
the apostles ? Had Peter and John been remarkable 
among the apostles ? 

15. Were not these apostles much prejudiced 
against the Samaritans ? Had they the power of 
conferring the Holy Spirit ? Why then did they pray 
that the Samaritans might receive this gift ? What 
is meant here by the Holy Ghost? 

16. Had not the miraculous powers of the Spirit 
been displayed by Philip ? Why had he not power 
to communicate this gift? What profession was 
made in the baptism here spoken of? Was this the 
same form of baptism which Christ had appointed ? 

17. Was not this gift in answer to the apostle's 
prayer ? AVhy was it necessary to lay their hands 
upon them ? Was this imposition of hands upon all 
the Samaritan believers ? Might it not have been 
only upon those who were set apart as ministers of 
the church ? Is this an example for ensuing ages of 
the church ? Is there any other reference in the New 
Testament to this laying on of hands. 

18. Does not this prove that all the believers in 
Samaria had not received these gifts ? What is 
meant here by the Holy Ghost ivhich Simon saw given ? 
Under what light probably did he view this matter ? 
Why did he wish to purchase this power? 

19. Was this probably in a private interview . 
Were not the magicians and other pretenders in the 
habit of selling their arts ? Did not Simon probably 
consider this a matter of the same kind ? Would it 



ACTS OF THE APOSTLES. 



41 



have much increased his influence if he coud havt 
obtained this power ? 

20. Was this a wish for Simon's destruction ; 01 
only a declaration that he would be destroyed, and 
that his money should perish with him? Did not 
the assurance that this was the gift of God prove 
that it could only be bestowed by him ? 

21. Was the character of Simon evident from thia 
proposition ? In what matter had he neither part 
nor lot? Does this mean that his heart was unre 
newed ? Is no unconverted heart right in the sight 
of God? What is the meaning of this expression? 
Was it right in the sight of men? 

22. W r as there any hope of forgiveness for Simon ? 
Was it only of this particular crime that he was to 
repent ? Does this give hope to all sinners ? Is it 
not the duty of ail unconverted persons to repent? 
Was the thought of Simon's heart peculiarly sinful? 
Was his guilt confined to the thought of his heart ? 

23. Had not Simon been baptized ? How was h8 
now then in the gall of bitterness ? Had Peter the 
power of searching the heart ? What do you under- 
stand by the gall of bitterness ? Is every unrenewed 
heart in this state ? What is the bond of iniquity ? 
Can the sinner break this bond ? Is a state of sin 
elsewhere spoken of as bondage ? By whom are we 
made free ? 

24. Was Simon truly penitent? Why did he ask 
the prayers of the apostles ? What were the things 

to which he referred ? Was he not afraid of their ' 
power? Did he believe in the truth of their doc- 
trine ? 

25. To whom does this refer ? To what did they 
testify in Samaria ? What word did they preach ? 
Did they return immediately to Jerusalem ? What 
had so changed their dispositions toward the Sama- 
ritans ? Do preaching the gospel and preaching the 
word mean the same ? 



42 



BIBLE LESSONS ON THE 



LESSON XXI.— Acts viii. 26-40. 

26. By what title does St. Paul call the angels ? 
Was this an instance of such ministration? For 
what purpose was Philip to be sent to the south ? 
Was this declared to him ? Does the term desert re- 
fer to Gaza, or to the way ? 

27. Of what duty does Philip give us the exam- 
ple ? Where was Ethiopia? Were the Ethiopians 
worshippers of the God of Israel ? When could the 
knowledge of the true God have been introduced 
there ? What office did this man sustain ? Did 
God choose many noble and mighty persons to re- 
ceive the truth ? Why had he come to Jerusalem to 
worship ? 

28. How did he employ his vacant time ? Were 
these the Jewish Scriptures ? Were they calculated 
to lead his mind to Christ ? 

29. How did the Spirit speak to Philip ? Had 
Philip before known the object of his mission ? 
Would not such an interference be calculated to of- 
fend a person of his rank ? 

30. Why was the Ethiopian reading aloud ? Could 
he be expected to understand this prophecy ? How 
far can a man be acquainted with the Scriptures 
without the aid of the Holy Spirit ? 

31. Did the Ethiopian know the character of 
Philip ? Had he been accustomed to be taught by 
men in the Jewish Scriptures ? By what name were 
those persons known who performed this duty? 
By what power was tiiis willingness to learn be- 
stowed ? 

32. Was it by accident that he read this passage? 
What is meant by Scripture? What peculiar charac- 
ter of Jesus does this illustrate ? What does the 
apastle Peter say of him in reference to this ? 



ACTS OP THE APOSTLES. 



43 



33. What was the humiliation of Christ ? What is 
meant by judgment $ What do you understand by 
generation ? Was the death of Christ a voluntary 
death ? 

34. Does this passage point out the person to 
whom it refers ? Did not Isaiah suffer for the 
truth? 

35. Did Philip confine himself to an explanation 
of this text? What peculiar characters of Jesus did 
he explain to the Ethiopian? Does not the subse- 
quent question of the Ethiopian show how extensive 
the explanations of Philip were ? 

36. Why should the eunuch desire baptism ? Was 
it required of all persons ? What did it imply? 

37. Upon what ground was Philip willing to bap- 
tize him ? What is meant by believing ivith the heart ? 
What did the eunuch believe ? How much is in- 
cluded in that expression ? 

38. Was this a baptism by immersion ? Was there 
any unusual evidence of the man's sincerity ? Why 
Bhould Philip have baptized him so hastily ? 

39. What do you understand by this ? Are there 
any other instances in the Scripture like this ? Why 
did the eunuch rejoice? By whom was this joy 
communicated ? Do all Christians receive it ? Is it 
necessary for all ? 

40. Did Philip continue his ministry? How far 
was Azotus from Gaza ? Where was Cesarea ? Where 
was the subsequent residence of Philip ? What pe- 
culiar circumstances do we read of him afterward? 



LESSON XXII.— Acts ix. 1-9. 

1. Who was Saul? What do you read of him be- 
fore this ? Had there been a persecution of the dis- 



BIBLE LESSONS ON THE 



ciples at Jerusalem ? Had any of them fled thence T 
How long after the ascension did this circumstance 
occur ? What is the peculiar force of this first ex- 
pression ? Had the high-priest authority at Damas- 
cus ? Who was the high-priest at this time ? 

2. How far was Damascus from Jerusalem? To 
what kingdom did it belong? To whom were these 
letters to be addressed ? W T hat is meant by this icay f 
W T hy could they not be punished at Damascus ? Were 
the disciples at Damascus acquainted with Saul's 
design ? 

3. At what time of the day was this occurrence ? 
Was this a supernatural light ? Had the Jews been 
accustomed ever to see such heavenly appearances ? 
Why did Saul manifest so much agitation ? 

4. Might he not have been struck with lightning ? 
Was there any other noise than the voice which 
apake to Saul ? In what language did this voice 
speak ? How had Saul persecuted Jesus ? Where 
does our Lord teach us this union between himself 
and his disciples ? Did Saul see the person of 
Tesus ? 

5. To whom did Saul address himself? Did Jesus 
add any other appellation by which he had been 

-known? What is implied by this last expression? 
Had not Saul been successful in persecution ? What 
had he to fear in pursuing the same course ? 

6. W T as Saul convinced now that Jesus was the 
Messiah? Why did he tremble? W T hat proof of 
the power of Jesus might he have reasonably ex- 
pected ? What then was the reason of his astonish- 
ment ? Did he now give up his design of persecu- 
tion? Was he now a converted man? Did hia 
question express true submission of heart ? To 
whom did Jesus send him for instruction ? Was not 
this man one whom Saul came to destroy ? 

7. Who were the men who journeyed with him? 
Were they not cast down to the earth also? Did 



ACTS OF THE APOSTLES. 



45 



they hear what was said to Saul? Did they see 
Jesus ? Does this expression show that Saul did 
gee him ? 

8. Did Saul prosecute his journey? How do you 
understand that when his eyes were opened he saw 
no man ? What did this blindness represent to him ? 
For what purpose was he kept in blindness during 
this period ? To whom would they bring him at Da- 
mascus? Were the Jews there acquainted with the 
object of ! lris journey? Had they received the let- 
ters of the high-priest ? 

9. What was the state of Saul's mind at this time ? 
Did he receive any communications from heaven 
during these three days ? Does this last expression 
show us the character of his feelings at this time ? 
Who before him was three days in actual darkness 
before he rose to a new life ? Does Paul refer to 
this similarity of circumstances in any of his epistles ? 



LESSON XXIII. —Acts ix. 10-19. 

10. What would have led any disciples to Da- 
mascus at this time ? Was Ananias a Jew ? W 7 hat 
is a vision? Why was Ananias selected for this 
duty ? 

11. Who spake to Ananias ? W r as this the house 
of a disciple or an unconverted Jew ? Why was 
Saul distinguished by this name ? Where was Tar- 
sus ? Had Saul never before prayed ? In what did 
his present prayers differ from those which he made 
when a Pharisee ? Can an awakened sinner pray 
acceptably before his heart is changed ? 

12. Had Saul any knowledge of the change which 
■was to take place in him ? Why did not the Lord 
restore him and instruct him without the instru- 



46 



BIBLE LESSONS ON THE 



mentality of man ? Fcr what different purposes was 
the habit of imposing hands used? Was the im- 
position of hands here spoken of a regular act of the 
ministry ? 

13. How can Ananias be excused from too great 
boldness and irreverence in this reply ? Had Ana- 
nias any personal acquaintance with Saul ? Had 
the Christians been persecuted in any other place 
but Jerusalem ? Why are Christians called saints ? 
Was persecution a real evil to the disciples of 
Christ? 

14. Was the mission of Saul a public matter? 
What authority had the chief priests in Damascus ? 
Who were distinguished by this last expression? 
What is meant by calling on the name of Jesus? Have 
you any instances in the Scriptures ? 

15. Could Ananias suppose that the Lord was 
ignorant of these matters ? Can the previous life of 
a man form any objection to him after his conver- 
sion? What is meant by a chosen vessel? By what 
similar name does the apostle Paul style the ministers 
of Christ ? Can a man be chosen before his conver- 
sion ? For what purpose was Saul chosen ? Had 
any of the Gentiles been converted at this time ? 
Before what kings did Paul preach ? What is meant 
by bearing the name of Jesus ? What apostleship does 
Paul say was committed to him ? 

16. Did the Lord announce to Saul all the suffer- 
ings which he must bear ? Were^his sufferings for 
Christ greater than others generally underwent ? 
What is the account which Paul gives of his suffer- 
ings ? How did he regard them all ? What was 
the necessity of this suffering implied in the word 
must ? 

17. Were the feelings of Ananias toward Saul 
changed ? What is that bond which unites all the 
followers of Jesus ? Was Saul expecting this visi* 
of Ananias? Had Saul seen Jesus before his cru 



ACTS OF THE APOSTLES. 



47 



sifixion ? Did he see him when he was stopped in 
his journey to Damascus? By what title does Paul 
call himself at this appearing of Jesus? Had Ana- 
nias power to confer the gifts of the Holy Ghost ? 
What gifts are referred to ? 

18. What was this recovery of sight designed to 
represent? What were the scales which were re- 
moved from his mind ? For what purpose was he 
baptized ? Did he receive the Holy Ghost before hia 
baptism ? 

19. To what object was his strength now devoted! 
What does he say of his labours ? With whom did 
he now associate ? What did they glorify in Saul ? 
How long was it before he returned to Jerusalem? 
How was he occupied at Damascus ? What period 
of time is here intended ? 



LESSON XXIV.— Acts ix. 20-31. 

20. Did Saul deliver his letters to the synagogue ? 
Was he now a converted man ? When did his con- 
version take place ? Who is meant by Christ? Why 
dii he preach him in the synagogues ? What did he 
prove in reference to him ? What is meant by the 
Son of God? 

21. Was Saul known to the Jews? What was the 
subject of their surprise? What is meant by those 
who called on this name ? How did they know he 
came thither with that intent ? What does Paul say 
he was before his conversion ? Who were the chief 
priests ? 

22. What is meant by his increasing more in 
strength? How did he confound the Jews? Who 
did he wish to prove was Christ? What is meant by 
very Christ? How did he prove this fact? 



48 



BIBLE LESSONS ON THE 



23. IIow long a period does this designate? Was 
Saul in Damascus during this whole time ? Could 
the Jews put him to death lawfully at Damascus? 
Was this, then, an intention to murder him ? What 
is meant by their taking counsel? What did this 
intention prove in reference to them ? 

24. By whom was Saul delivered from their hands ? 
Does this imply that there were many of the Jews 
engaged in this conspiracy? Under whose govern- 
ment was Damascus at this time? 

25. Had Saul a right to avoid persecution? Did 
this betray a fear of his persecutors ? AVhat does 
Paul mean by saving he consulted not with flesh and 
blood? 

26. How long was this after his conversion ? What 
was the object of his journey to Jerusalem? Had 
this been a season of persecution ? What did the 
disciples suspect in regard to him ? What motive 
could he have for attempting to deceive them ? 

27. What is the meaning of Barnabas? To which 
of the apostles did he present Saul ? What account 
did Barnabas give of his conversion ? Why had not 
the disciples at Jerusalem heard of him before this ? 
What was the subject of Paul's preaching? 

28. How long did he stay at Jerusalem at this 
time ? What is the meaning of this expression? 

29. With whom did he dispute at Jerusalem? Who 
were these persons? What was the peculiar reason 
of their opposition to him ? 

30. Who were the brethren ? Why were they 
called by this name ? Why were they so particularly 
careful of his safety ? Which of the towns called 
Cesarea was this ? What account does Paul give of 
this journey ? What hope had he of doing good at 
Tarsus ? 

31. What is meant by the churches? What was 
the cause of this cessation of persecution ? Were 
there assemblies of Christians in all these places ? 



ACTS OF THE APOSTLES. 



49 



What is meant by edified? How do you understand 
their walking in the fear of the Lord ? Who was the 
Lord 9 What was the comfort of the Holy Ghost? 
Does multiplied refer to the number of churches, or 
the number of individual disciples ? 



LESSON XXV.— Acts ix. 32-43. 

32. How were the apostles employed during this 
interval of rest ? Had Peter left Jerusalem before ? 
For what purpose was this journey? How far was 
Lydda from Jerusalem ? Who are meant by the 
saints ? 

33. Had this man any faith in Christ ? Was he in 
expectation of a recovery ? Had the apostles fre- 
quently performed miracles at this time ? 

34. How could Peter know that his word would 
have such power ? W T hat does this prove of the cha- 
racter of Christ ? What is the meaning of this last 
command ? Did the apostles always perform miracles 
in the name of Christ ? 

35. For what was Lydda remarkable ? What was 
Saron? Was this miracle the instrument of their 
conversion ? Who is meant by the Lord ? Were these 
all Jews ? J)oes this expression mean a true conver- 
sion of all tnese persons ? 

36. W 7 here was Joppa ? By whom was the gospel 
first preached in these cities ? What is meant by 
full of good works? What should we learn from such 
an example ? 

37. Can the piety of a Christian be a motive with 
God to prolong his life ? Were not such disciples of 
peculiar value at this time ? What is meant by those 
days ? What was the ancient custom in reference to 
the bodies of the dead ? Is there any evidence of the 
propriety of worshipping departed saints ? 

4 



50 



BIBLE LESSONS ON THE 



38. How far was Lydda from Joppa ? For what 
purpose did they send for Peter ? If it were merely 
to comfort the mourners, why was it necessary he 
should hasten to them ? Had the apostles raised any 
one from the dead before ? 

39. Of what duty does Peter give the example for 
the ministers of Christ ? Were the widows a distinct 
class among the early Christians? Was Tabitha one 
of them? What was the particular object of these 
garments ? 

40. Does Peter's example authorize prayer for the 
dead ? Why did he exclude all other persons from a 
view of this miracle? Did he expect this result? 
Did he know that he possessed this power ? 

41. Was it not a subject of regret to a saint to be 
called back to this world ? How can you account for 
their willingness to do it? What evidenee have you 
in Scripture that they had no remembrance of what 
had past ? Was it not rather a matter for sorrow 
than joy to others, that a Christian who was at rest 
should be brought back to a state of trial? Upon 
what ground could they reasonably rejoice ? 

42. What is meant by their believing in the Lord ? 
How were the miracles of the apostles calculated to 
lead men to believe in Jesus Christ ? 

43. Why did Peter remain in Joppa? What length 
of time had elapsed since the ascension ? By what 
was this period peculiarly distinguished ? Of what 
nation were all the disciples unto this time ? 



LESSON XXVI. — Acts x. 1-16. 

1. Op what new aspect of the Christian religion 
was the event of this chapter the commencement ? 
Had no Gentile yet be£n introduced into the church 



ACTS OF THE APOSTLES. 51 



Where was Peter when this circumstance occurred ? 
Of what nation was Cornelius ? What was his office? 
How many men did he command ? 

2. Was Cornelius a converted man? What is 
meant by devout? How had he obtained the know- 
ledge of God ? W r hat is meant by all his house fear- 
ing God? To what people were his alms given? 
W T hat is meant by his praying always ? Why was so 
moral and devout a man selected as the first Gentile 
convert ? 

3. Was this a regular Jewish hour of prayer? 
What is meant by a vision ? W T hat do you understand 
by an angel of God ? 

4. To whom was this appeal made ? WTiat refer- 
ence is there here to Jewish rites? As a memorial 
of what had they come up ? 

5. Was this command a reward for his alms and 
prayers? W T hat promise of Christ to Peter was to 
be fulfilled now? 

6. By the side of what sea? On what greater 
matter did Cornelius want instruction? 

7. What disposition in Cornelius is intimated here ? 
Why was the soldier sent with the messengers ? 

8. Was this communication to Cornelius altogether 
private? What did he declare to these men? 

9. At what hour of the day did they leave Cesa- 
rea? How far was it from Joppa? At what time of 
the day was Peter thus engaged ? Why did he go to 
the house-top ? What custom of building explains this ? 

10. W r as this hunger appointed as a preparation 
for the vision ? W r hat do you understand by the ex- 
rression, "while they made ready?" What is meant 
by a trance? 

11. What is meant by a vessel? What did this 
represent? 

12. Were these clean or unclean beasts? What 
^as the origin of that distinction? What was re 
presented by this multitude of beasts ? 



t)2 BIBLE LESSONS ON THE 

13. Bid this mean that he should kill merely for 
his own food ; or for sacrifice? What was meant to 
be conveyed by this command? 

14 Did Peter understand the command ? What is 
meant by common? Was this absolutely required by 
the Jewish law? 

15. Whence was this voice heard? How had God 
cleansed them? Was the Jewish precept abrogated? 
To what did this refer? 

16. Why was this done thrice? Yr'hat instruction 
was conveyed by the whole being taken up again 
into heaven? Of what divine attributes does this 
whole incident give us an illustration ? 



LESSON XXVII. —Acts x. 17-33. 

17. What evident proof have we here of Divine 
Providence? What was the meaning of the vision? 
When did Peter understand it ? 

18. When was Simon surnamed Peter? Why was 
this name given to him? 

19. Who is meant by the Spirit? What do you 
learn by a comparison of this with the vision of Cor- 
nelius, in reference to the character of the Spirit? 

20. Why might it be supposed Peter would hesi- 
tate ? Did not Cornelius send these messengers ? 
How could the Spirit be said to have sent them? 

21. Was this before he received the message from 
the men? Was he aware of the object for which 
they came? Did their statement explain the vision 
of Peter? 

22. What is meant here by a just man? Why 
should his character among the Jews be stated to 
Peter ? Did these men understand the character of 
God, or his angels? 



ACTS OF THE APOSTLES. 



59 



23. Why did Peter delay so long ? Why did an? 
Christians go with him? How many were there with 
him? 

24. What was the peculiar interest of this occa- 
sion? Was it a natural disposition of Cornelius 
which led him to be anxious for the instruction of 
Peter? Had he a desire for the salvation of his 
friends? W r as he aware of what Peter had to say? 

25. Why did Cornelius fall at his feet? Was this 
An act of religious homage or civil respect? 

26 Why should Peter refuse his testimonial of re- 
spect? Does this last expression point out the cha- 
racter of Cornelius' homage? 

27. What peculiar pleasure was this visit calculated 
to give to Peter ? What gift of the Holy Ghost was 
now necessary for Peter ? 

28. Had the law of Moses forbidden the Jews to 
associate with Gentiles? Does the term Jew here 
mean strictly a man of Jewish origin? Did Peter 
now fully comprehend the meaning of this vision ? 

29. What is meant by gainsaying? Why did Peter 
ask this question, when he had been already informed 
of the wishes of Cornelius ? 

30. Was fasting a Jewish habit? What does this 
teach us in reference to Cornelius ? Why did he 
pray at this hour ? Is there any increase of power 
in united supplications ? 

31. Are we to understand that Cornelius' acts were 
perfectly acceptable to God? Why were they valua- 
ble? What is meant by had in remembrance in the 
sight of God ? 

32. If Cornelius were now acceptable in the sight 
of God, what benefit could he receive from the gos- 
pel ? Why should not God have proclaimed to him 
what it was necessary he should know ? 

33. What is meant by the expression, thou hast well 
done? Why does Cornelius say present before God? 
What did he expect to hear from Peter ? What does 



54 BIBLE LESSONS ON THE 

this expression teach us of the duty of a preacher 
of the gospel ? 



LESSON XXVIIL— Acts x. 34-48. 

34. To what differences among men did this asser- 
tion of Peter refer? Can it relate to moral charac- 
ter? What had convinced Peter of this fact? 

35. Can a man fear God and work righteousness 
without the divine assistance? What was that fear 
of God which distinguished Cornelius? Does this 
text assert that men can find acceptance with God, 
without a knowledge of Jesus Christ ? 

36. What is meant by the word? What connection 
has this with the former verse? Between whom did 
this word preach peace through Jesus Christ? To 
whom did the word all refer ? By what title is Jesus 
Lord of all? 

37. What is meant here by that word? How had 
this word been published ? What was the com- 
mencement of it ? What is meant by John's preaeh' 
ing his baptism ? 

38. What was the object of anointing men? Was 
the same purpose accomplished by the anointing of 
Jesus Christ ? How was he anointed with power ? 
What is meant by doing good? Who were they who 
were oppressed by the devil? In what sense was 
God with Jesus ? 

39. Were the apostles all eye-witnesses of what 
Jesus did? What countries were included in the 
land of the Jews ? To whom do they refer ? Why 
was this an accursed death? 

40. What is meant by openly ? Was it the same 
being that was buried whom God raised up ? 

41. Would it not have been better confirmation of 
the truth if he had been shown to all the people ? 



ACTS OF THE APOSTLES. 



55 



To what does this chosen before of God refer ? What 
was the proof which the apostles had of his resur- 
rection? Why did they always insist upon this 
truth ? 

42. What were they to preach to the people ? 
Why was the character of Jesus as a Judge con 
nected with this preaching? What is meant by 
quick and dead ? 

43. What authority was added to the fact of 
Christ's resurrection by the testimony of the pro- 
phets ? What is meant by through his name ? What 
is believing in Christ ? What is meant by remission 
of sins ? 

44. Had Peter finished his discourse ? What is 
meant here by the falling of the Holy Ghost ? What 
is meant by the word? 

45. Had no Gentiles before received the Holy 
Ghost? Who are referred to as they of the circum- 
cision? What was the reason of their astonish- 
ment ? 

46. What is the connection of these two expres- 
sions, speaking with tongues and magnifying God ? 
What is meant by the last ? How were these evi- 
dences that the Holy Ghost had come upon them ? 

47. To whom did Peter address himself? Why 
was baptism with water necessary ? Who are meant 
by we ? Why did Peter apply for the opinions of the 
others upon this subject? 

48. Did he baptize them himself? What is meant 
here by the name of the Lord? Was this the form 
of baptism appointed by Jesus Christ? Why did 
they vary from this form ? 



56 BIBLE LESSONS ON THE 



LESSON XXIX.— Acts xi. 1-18. 

1 . Who are meant by the brethren ? Were they 
surprised that Gentiles should accept the gospel, or 
that God should grant it to them ? What is meant 
by the word of God? 

2. Who were they of the circumcision ? Does this 
r^fer to the apostles ? 

3. Was not this an improper interference with 
°eter's apostolical character? Was it unlawful for 
him, as a Jew, to eat with Gentiles? 

4. Why did not Peter assert his authority as an 
apostle ? What Christian grace did he here exem- 
plify ? 

6. What connection had his prayer with the vi- 
sion? Was not this a divine answer to enlighten 
his mind ? 

6. What was his great objection to partaking of 
the meat which was thus set before him ? Of what 
character were all the beasts ? 

7. Was there any doubt in reference to this voice? 
If he was sure it came from heaven, how could ho 
reply to it in this manner ? 

8. What is the difference between common and 
unclean ? 

9. Are all creatures lawful food under the Chris- 
tian dispensation? 

10. What was the reason of this repetition ? 

11. To what direction did he design to lead the 
minds of his opposers ? 

12. Were these objectors believers? Did they un- 
derstand what he meant by the Spirit f What would 
have been the natural grounds of his hesitation? 
Were these brethren of the circumcision ? 

13. What was the ground of confidence to Peter 
through all this strange transaction? Could he 



ACTS OF THE APOSTLES. 57 



have doubted from whom the command proceeded ? 
To whom does he show we are to commit ourselves ? 

14. Is there any addition in this verse to what we 
have read before ? Could not Cornelius have been 
saved without a knowledge of the gospel? What 
then was the state of his heart before Peter came to 
him ? Were all his house to be saved by his faith ? 

15. Does he point out the appearance in which 
the Holy Ghost came upon them ? Had not Peter 
finished his instructions to them when the Holy 
Ghost descended? 

16. Had Peter supposed before that this promise 
was confined to the apostles ? To whom does he re- 
fer as the Lord ? What was the connection between 
the gift of the Holy Ghost and the form of bap- 
tism ? 

17. Did these Gentiles receive the same powers 
which the apostles had ? At what time did the apos- 
tles first believe on the Lord Jesus Christ? Why 
was outward baptism necessary when they had re- 
ceived the gift of the Holy Ghost ? 

18. To whom is the reference made here ? What 
is meant by their glorifying God? How is this con- 
sistent with their being silent? Was this a gift 
which God alone could bestow ? What is repentance 
unto life ? What is meant by life ? Did they now 
believe that the Gentiles might be brought into the 
church without an observance of the law ? 



LESSON XXX.— Acts xi. 19-30. 

19.. What portion of the disciples were driven 
from Jerusalem at the death of Stephen ? Why did 
they thus limit the offers of the gospel ? What word 
did they particularly preach ? 



58 



BIBLE LESSONS ON THE 



20. Were these persons Jewish converts ? What 
led them to pass the limits which had restrained 
others ? Under what peculiar character was Jesus 
preached to the Greeks ? 

21. What is meant by the hand of the Lord? What 
did these persons believe ? To whom did they 
turn ? Did this success prove that the disciples had 
done properly in preaching to the Gentiles ? Does 
success in all cases show that the means which have 
produced it were right ? 

22. What is meant by the church at Jerusalem? 
For what purpose was Barnabas sent forth ? Was 
he an apostle ? Why was he selected ? 

28. What is meant by his seeing the grace of Goaf 
Had he no Jewish prejudices ? To whora did he ad- 
dress his exhortation ? What is to be understood by 
cleaving unto the Lord? How are we to do this 
with purpose of heart ? 

24. What do you understand by a good man ? 
What do you mean by his being full of the Holy 
Ghost ? What is meant here by faith ? What con- 
nection was there between the character of Barnabas 
and this adding of many unto the Lord? How were 
they added unto the Lord ? 

25. What is the last account we had of Saul? 
How long a period had intervened ? Why should Bar- 
nabas particularly desire Saul ? 

26. Does this imply that Barnabas had authority 
over Saul? For what purpose did they remain so 
long in Antioch ? By whom were the disciples first 
called Christians ? On what account ? 

27. Were these divinely inspired prophets ? What 
time is referred to by those days ? 

28. Does this mean the Holy Spirit? Was this 
famine to be literally throughout the world ? What 
limitations has this expression often iu the Scrip- 
tures ? 

29. To what disciples does this particularly refer ? 



ACTS OP THE APOSTLES. 



59 



Why should they send relief to the brethren in 
Judea? Does this point out the place of this 
dearth ? 

30. Who were the elders? Why was it not sent 
to the apostles ? Who accompanied Barnabas and 
Saul on this journey ? By what direction does Paul 
say he went up to Jerusalem upon this occasion ? To 
what does he refer in the expression which he uses 
in his account of this journey ? For what purpose 
did he go up to Jerusalem? 



LESSON XXXI.— Acts xii. 1-12. 

1. What time is here referred to? What Herod 
was this ? Who are meant by certain of the church ? 
What is meant by vexing them ? 

2. Whose son was this James ? What declaration 
of our Lord's to him was now fulfilled ? What is 
meant by his killing James with the sword? 

3. What should have led Herod to hesitate in this 
persecution? What was the last account we have 
had of Peter ? When were the days of iinleavened 
bread ? Why was this period selected for his appre- 
hension ? 

4. Why was not Peter immediately put to death ? 
What number of soldiers were set to guard him ? 
What is meant by Faster ? What is meant by bring- 
ing him forth unto the people? 

5. For how long a period was Peter kept in pri- 
son? What do yDu understand by prayer without 
ceasing? Why should the disciples be particularly 
anxious for his preservation ? 

6. What was the method of confinement which is 
referred to in this verse ? What peculiar character 
of God's general providence is displayed in this text ? 



60 



BIBLE LESSONS ON THE 



Why was it t ot possible that he might be rescue'! by 
human power ? 

7. Was this an answer to the prayers of the dis- 
ciples ? What are we- taught by the time of this 
deliverance in reference to answers to prayer in 
general ? 

8. Does this imply that the whole transaction 
passed without hurry or confusion ? What descrip- 
tion of Eastern garments are referred to here ? 

9. Was the prison broken open by the angel? 
What was the nature of this miraculous deliverance ? 
Why did Peter suppose it to be a dream ? 

10. What is meant by the first and second icard? 
W^as the prison out of the city? How far did the 
angel attend him ? In what way did he leave him ? 

11. What is meant by Peter's coming to himself? 
Had Peter ever experienced such a deliverance be- 
fore ? Were the Jews expecting his execution ? 

12. What is the meaning of this first expression ? 
Why did he go to this particular house ? Was this 
in the night or in the day ? What example is given 
us here ? What peculiar office of the angels of the 
Lord does this event display ? What ground does it 
give us to expect miraculous interference ? 



LESSON XXXII.— Acts xii. 13-24. 

13. What is meant by the door of the gate? Why, 
at a public assembly of the disciples, should the 
doors be fastened ? What was the ground of their 
suspicion ? 

14. What argument for the truth of the narration 
could be derived from this verse? 

15. Why did the disciples thus distrust ? Was not 
this the subject of their prayers? What is meant 



ACTS OF THE APOSTLES. 61 

I |; 

by his angel? What two suppositions might they 
make in reference to it ? 

16. Does not this surprise show that they had not 
prayed with faith ? What do you understand by be- 
lieving when we pray ? 

17. Does this imply that they were in confusion? 
How had the Lord brought him out of prison ? Why 
did he command them to show it to James? Had 
not James been killed by Herod? Were not the 
brethren assembled here ? Why did Peter withdraw 
himself? 

18. What were the circumstances which would 
create peculiar surprise ? 

19. By what Roman law were the guards put to 
death? What is implied by Herod's seeking him 
thus ? Might he not have suspected the true cause 
of Peter's escape? 

20. What Cesarea is referred to here ? Had this 
Herod an extensive jurisdiction ? Where were Tyre 
and Sidon situated ? How was their country nour- 
ished by the king's country ? What evidence of this 
same fact have you in the Old Testament? What 
country is referred to as the king's country ? 

21. What was the object of this appointed day? 
What account does Josephus give of the appearance 
of Herod ? 

22. Was this shout agreeable to Eastern customs ? 
Did Herod manifest pleasure at this flattery? 

23. What is meant here by the angel of the Lord? 
What is the meaning of the reason which is given 
for his punishment? What do you understand by 
giving up the ghost? Had other persecutors died 
under similar judgments ? 

24. What is meant by the word of God ? How 
could it be said to grow and multiply? What con- 
nection had this with the death of Herod? 



62 



BIBLE LESSONS ON THE 



LESSON XXXIII. —Acts xii. 25— xiii. 12. 

25. Whither did they return? What ministry is 
referred to? Was this Mark the Evangelist ? What 
is the reason of this frequent use of two names for 
the same person? 

xiii. — 1. What Antioch was this? What is meant 
by prophets and teachers? Were these the stated 
pastors of the church in Antioch ? 

2. How were they ministering unto the Lord ? 
What was their purpose in fasting? How was this 
communication of the Holy Ghost made to them ? 
What was the work to which these two had been par- 
ticularly called ? Was this their ordination as apos- 
tles? Does this imply that a knowledge of this call 
had been before given to Barnabas and Saul? 

3. Was this a continuance of the fast before re- 
ferred to? For what should they pray? What was 
the object of this layiDg on of hands? What is 
meant by sending them away ? 

4. How could they be said to be sent forth by the 
Holy Ghost? Where was Seleucia ? Where was Cy- 
prus? 

5. Which of them was a native of this island? 
Where was Salamis? Why did they first preach to 
the Jews? Who was this John? What do you un- 
derstand by minister? 

6. Where was Paphos? In what direction had 
they now passed through this island? What is meant 
by sorcerer and false prophet? Was this a lawful 
occupation among the Jews? 

7. Was this deputy a Gentile? Of whom was he 
the deputy? What is meant by a prudent man? 
Where were Barnabas and Saul? What idea does the 
expression the icord of God convey ? 

8. Docs Ehjmas refer to the name, or the profes- 



ACTS OF THE APOSTLES. 



63 



aion of this man? What was the reason of his oppo- 
sition? What is meant by the faith? What declara- 
tion of the apostle Paul does this illustrate? 

9. Why was Saul called Paul? What do you un- 
derstand by his being now filled with the Holy Ghost ? 
What idea is conveyed by this last expression? 

1 0. What is meant by subtilty ? — And by mischief ? 
How could a man be called by this appellation? Had 
any one before made use of such an expression ? How 
was he the enemy of all righteousness ? What were 
the right ways of the Lord ? What is the meaning 
of that expression? How did Elymas pervert them? 

11. For what purpose was the hand of the Lord to 
be upon him ? Why was this blindness temporary ? 
What is meant by a mist and darkness? Was his 
sight afterward restored ? 

12. How was this event calculated to make him 
believe ? "\v*hat did it lead him to believe? What do 
you understand by the doctrine of the Lord? What 
connection had the doctrine of the gospel with this 
miracle ? 



LESSON XXXIV.— Acts xiii. 13-25. 

13. Who made up the company of Paul? Where 
was Pamphylia? Why did John leave them? Was 
his departure with the approbation of the apostles ? 

14. Was this the same Antioch from whence they 
were sent to Cyprus ? Give some account of the lo- 
cation of this city. Was this the Jewish Sabbath ? 
Had not the disciples of Jesus been excommunicated 
from the synagogue? How were these permitted to 
enter? 

15. Were the Scriptures read always in the syna- 
gogue ? What is meant by the law and the prophets T 



64 



BIBLE LESSONS ON THE 



Who were the rulers of the synagogue? Why waa 
such a message sent to the apostles? What did they 
mean by this title ? What exhortation did they par- 
ticularly desire ? 

16. To what two classes of persons does he address 
himself? What is implied in this fear of God? 
What was Paul's object in this discourse? 

17. In what sense was he the God of Israel? Who 
were referred to as their fathers ? How were the 
people exalted in Egypt ? Why does Paul refer first 
to this early deliverance of their nation ? What ad- 
dress like this have we considered before? What is 
referred to as a high arm? 

18. W T hat is meant by he suffered their manners? 
What was the general character of the Israelites at 
that time? 

19. How could God be said to have destroyed these 
nations? Were the Jews, whom Paul was address- 
ing, now in this land ? 

20. To what period of time does this 450 years 
refer? W 7 ho was the first of the judges referred to? 
How was Samuel a prophet? 

21. To what period does this term afterward refer? 
Why did the Israelites desire a king ? How must 
this forty years be computed ? 

22. What was the immediate cause of Saul's re- 
moval ? What does God say of this by Hosea? 
What is meant by David being a man after God's 
own heart ? How did he fulfil all his will ? Why had 
Paul brought their history so particularly down to 
this point ? 

23. In what sense was the Messiah to be the suc- 
cessor of David? "Where are there any promises to 
this effect? How was Jesus of the seed of David? 
Was this the kind of Saviour whom they expected ? 
What was the point which he had to prove to them? 

24 Were these Jews acquainted with the fact of 
luhivs preaching? Why does Paul refer to that? 



ACTS OF THE APOSTLES. 65 



Did John preach to all the people of Israel ? What 
is tha meaning of this? 

25. What is meant by John's course? What is the 
reference which it contains? Who did John deny 
that he was ? W r as this a menial office ? In what 
sense did Jesus come after John? Was this a fulfil- 
ment of prophecies ? To what point had Paul now 
brought the mind of his auditors ? What is the pe- 
culiar wisdom displayed in this address ? 



LESSON XXXV.— Acts xiii. 26-41. 

26. What two classes of persons did Paul address? 
What is meant by the word of this salvation? What 
is the peculiar emphasis on those words to you ? 

27. Why did the Jews not know Christ ? What is 
meant by their not knowing the voices of the pro- 
phets ? Was this a voluntary fulfilment of the pro- 
phets ? 

28. Did the Jews bring no accusation against 
Jesus ? Was not their accusation true ? Why was 
not the charge of blasphemy a cause of death ? Why 
could not they put him to death without the consent 
of Pilate, as they did Stephen ? 

29. What were the points in which they fulfilled 
the prophecies at his crucifixion ? What docs this 
relation of circumstances of the death of JesuSv, 
show Paul's confidence to be ? 

30. In this resurrection from the dead, what testi- 
mony was given to Jesus? What proof was there 
that Jesus was truly dead? 

31. Had not Paul himself seen him? To whom 
does he refer as these witnesses ? When did they 
come up with him from Galilee to Jerusalem ? 

32. To whom does we refer ? Why were these glad 



66 BIBLE LESSORS ON THE 



tidings? What was that promise? Who were the 
fathers ? 

33. To whom does he refer us as their children ? 
Where did God promise to raise up Jesus again? 
How did the resurrection of Christ prove him to he 
the Son of God ? 

34. What is meant by Jesus returning no more to 
corruption? What do you understand by the sure 
mercies of David? In what sense could Christ be 
called David ? Where is this promise ? 

35. How was Christ God's Holy One? 

36. How does Paul prove that this could not refer 
to David? What is meant by laid unto his fathers? 

37. What is meant by saw? Is this connected 
with the short period of his interment ? 

38. How is this the conclusion from Paul's argu- 
ment? Why is it said this man? How can the for- 
giveness of sins be preached ? What is meant by the 
forgiveness of sins? 

39. Could they be justified from any thing by the 
law of Moses? What is the cause of our justification 
under the gospel? What is the instrument of it? By 
whom are we justified ? What is justification ? 

40. What was the guilt of which they were to be- 
ware? By which of the prophets was this spoken? 

41. What did these persons despise ? What effect 
had this contempt upon their destruction ? What was 
the work referred to? Why were the Jews incredu- 
lous in reference to this ? What important lesson 
does this verse teach us ? 



LESSON XXXVI.— Acts xiii. 42. 

42. Did all these Jews reject the preaching of the 
gospel? What should have led the Gentiles to as- 
eemble there? What words are referred to? 



ACTS OF THE APOSTLES. 



67 



43. What is meant by the congregation? What is 
the distinction between these two classes of persons? 
Does their following Paul and Barnabas mean lite- 
rally this ? What do you understand by the grace of 
God? How were they to continue in the grace of 
God? 

44. What collected this large multitude ? Where 
were they assembled ? W T hy should the attention of 
the Gentiles be so excited ? Why is the gospel so 
frequently called the word of God ? 

45. W T hat was the reason of this envy? W r hat per- 
sons are meant here by Jews ? How did they speak 
against the things spoken by Paul ? What did they 
contradict? What is meant by their blaspheming? 

46. To whom did the apostles address themselves? 
What was the necessity ? With what feelings did the 
Jews put the gospel from them? Did they express 
the opinion here referred to, or did their refusal 
of the gospel prove this fact? Had not the apostles 
been preaching to the Gentiles ? How could they say 
that they turned to them now ? 

47. What command is here referred to? Where is 
this prediction? W T ho are meant by Gentiles? What 
is meant by the ends of the earth ? What do you 
understand by salvation ? To whom was this predic- 
tion addressed ? 

48. Did the apostles mean no more to address 
themselves to the Jews in Antioch? For what were 
the Gentiles glad ? What is meant by glorifying the 
word of the Lord ? What was this word of the Lord ? 
What do you understand by ordained? Does this 
refer to the Jews or the Gentiles ? W 7 hat is meant by 
believed ? 

49. By whom was the word of the Lord thus pub- 
lished ? What region is referred to ? 

50. Who are referred to as the devout and honour- 
able women ? Under Avhat representation did they 
raise persecution against the apostles ? Were they 



68 



BIBLE LESSONS ON THE 



expelled by public authority, or by private violence T 
What is meant by their coasts ? 

51. Was this in compliance with the command of 
Christ? Was that command designed to be literally 
obeyed ? Was there any habit among the Jews of 
this kind? What was meant by this form of de- 
parture ? Where was Iconium ? 

62. What disciples are here referred to ? W T hat 
was the cause of their joy? Would not the persecu- 
tions of the apostles grieve them? What is meant 
by the Holy Ghost ? What promise of our Lord's 
was thus fulfilled to them? 



LESSON XXXVII. —Acts xiv. 1-13. 

1. What led the apostles to Iconium? Why did 
they go into the synagogue of the Jews ? What is 
meant by they so spake? Who were the Greeks here 
spoken of? 

2. What was the reason of this peculiar opposi- 
tion of the Jews ? Why was it necessary that they 
should stir up the Gentiles for persecution? In 
what way would they make their minds evil affected ? 
Who were the brethren ? 

3. Why did the apostles continue here in the midst 
of persecution? What is meant by speahhig boldly in 
the Lord? What is meant by the word cf his grace t 
Could not the apostles work miracles at their own 
pleasure ? 

4. Who were the multitude of the city? Were 
these who held with the apostles all Christians ? 

5. What was this assault? Who were the rulers 
spoken of here ? Was this persecution by a regular 
trial, or by the violence of the multitude ? 

C. Where were Lystra and Derbe? Were the 



ACTTS OP THE APOSTLES. 



69 



apostles right in flying from sufferings ? To what 
extent might they avoid persecution ? 

7. What is meant by the gospel ? What were tne 
peculiar features of the gospel which the apostles 
preached here ? In what way did God manifest his 
providence under these circumstances ? 

8. Was this meeting of the cripple an accidental 
circumstance ? W T hat influence had the performance 
of miracles upon the belief of men in the gospel ? 

9. Where did he hear Paul ? What is meant by 
his hearing Paul speak? ' Who is said to have had 
this faith, Paul or the impotent man ? Was he a be- 
liever in the gospel before he was healed ? 

10. Why did Paul speak with a loud voice ? How 
should Paul know that this attempt to heal the man 
would be successful ? What was depending on the 
certain performance of this miracle ? 

11. Whai was the speech of Lycaonia ? Does this 
mean the language of Lycaonia, or according to their 
manner of speaking ? Who were meant by the gods? 
Where was the supposed residence of these ? How 
then were they connected with the images which 
were worshipped ? 

12. Why did they make this particular designa- 
tion of the apostle ? Who was Jupiter supposed to 
be ? Bid the heathen suppose their gods visited 
them often in this manner ? 

13. To whom does the expression which was before 
their city refer ? What ancient custom does this illus- 
trate? Why were oxen and garlands brought? 
Why were they brought unto the gates ? For what 
particular purpose was this sacrifice intended ? 



70 



BIBLE LESSONS ON THE 



LESSON XXXVIII. —Acts xir. 14-23. 

14. "Were not the apostles present when this pro- 
cession was made ? Why did they rend their gar 
ments ? 

15. What things are referred to ? What is mean* 
by like passions ? What vanities are referred to ? 
Under what aspect do these words exhibit the apos- 
tles ? Who was the living God to whom he desired 
them to turn? What peculiar character of God did 
the apostles here exhibit ? 

16. How did God suffer all nations to walk in their 
own ways? How can his government be justified in 
this ? What is meant by their own ways ? 

17. With what other circumstances is their state 
contrasted here ? What witness did God give among 
the heathen? What is the meaning of this last ex- 
pression ? What evidence of the nature of God could 
the heathen collect from the works of creation ? What 
did they collect ? 

18. In what way did this address influence the 
people ? Was the sacrifice to be offered unto them ? 
What was the nature of this sacrifice ? 

19. What has been said of these Jews before ? 
Who were the people of Lystra ? Was this by popu- 
lar tumult ? Why was Paul selected ? Why was he 
dragged out of the city? What instruction does this 
give us? Does Paul ever refer to this persecution? 

20 Was Paul actually dead ? Why were the dis- 
ciples gathered around him ? Was he restored to 
perfect soundness ? What effect would this restora- 
tion have upon the other disciples ? With what par- 
ticular disciple did Paul become acquainted here ? 

21. What is meant by* teaching in this verse? 
Why did the apostles return to these cities ? 

22. What do you understand by confirming th« 



ACTS OF THE APOSTLES. 



71 



souls of the disciples? What is meant by the faith f 
What illustration had been given them of this as* 
sertion ? Is this intended to be universally appli- 
cable ? 

23. Who were these elders? What object of this 
second visit of the apostles does this display ? What 
was the particular object of this prayer? How is 
the Lord referred to here ? 

24, 25. What was the course of this journey? 
Where was Attalia? What particular object had the 
apostles in this mission? Where is the account of 
its commencement? 

26. Why did they come to Antioch ? When were 
they thus recommended ? What is meant by tfo 
grace of God ? What work was this ? 

27. What did they relate to the church herel 
What had been the course of their journey? Whai 
had God done with them? What is meant by ih- 
door of faith? By what had this journey been dis 
tinguished ? 

28. How long-time did the apostles remain in An 
tioch? Was this a season of rest for them? For 
what purpose did they remain in Antioch ? 



LESSON XXXIX.— Acts xv. 1-12. 

1. Were these men believing or unbelieving Jews ? 
Whither did they come ? What does after the manner 
of Moses mean ? What view had these persons of the 
Christian system ? 

2. Why should this doctrine be particularly unac- 
ceptable at Antioch ? Upon what principle did Paul 
and Barnabas oppose it? Why should they go to 
Jerusalem ? Which of the apostles were now there ? 



72 BIBLE LESSONS ON THE 

Was this an acknowledgment of the authority of th« 
J ewish church over others ? 

3. In what direction was Jerusalem, from Antioch ? 
Through what countries must they pass ? By what 
church were they brought on their way? Were 
there churches established in the countries here 
spoken of? By whom was the gospel first preached 
in them ? What do you understand by this conver- 
sion of the Gentiles ? Was it the general fact, or 
some individual instances? Were these Jews bre- 
thren, who regarded this with joy? 

4. What distance had they travelled on this jour- 
ney? What particular distinctions are referred to 
here ? To what does this last expression refer? 

5. Does this refer to an occurrence in Jerusalem, 
or is it a part of Paul's statement ? For what were 
the Pharisees particularly remarkable ? To whom 
does this remark of the Pharisees refer ? What 
three classes of persons composed the whole number 
of converts to Christianity ? 

6. By what title is this meeting generally known? 
W T hat was the great point under consideration? 

7. Among whom had this disputing been? Does 
this prove that the apostles were not inspired ? To 
whom did Peter address himself? How long before 
this was the event referred to ? To whom did he re- 
fer as us? By what title was Peter particularly dis- 
tinguished ? What effect would this have upon the 
opinion which he now expressed ? 

8. What is meant by God's bearing them witness ? 
Were these the miraculous gifts of the Holy Ghost ? 
What is meant by the Inst words of this verse ? 

9. In what way did Goc 1 show this? What faith 
is this ? How does faith purify the heart ? Who is 
referred to as thus purifying their hearts? 

10. How was this tempting God ? What is meant 
by this yoke? Does this imply that God's laws were 



ACTS OF THE APOSTLES. 73 



unjust ? How were his justice and goodness made 
clear in these requisitions ? 

11. To whom does we refer? What is meant by 
the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ? What do you 
understand by even as they ? How were the Gentiles 
saved ? Had the law no influence upon the salva- 
tion of the Jews? 

12. What induced them to be silent? To whom 
does all the multitude refer ? Why did they refer to 
these miracles ? What was the particular point 
which they wished to establish? How did their 
miracles effect this? How many times had Paul 
been in Jerusalem since his conversion? Where 
does Paul refer to this journey? 



LESSON XL.— Acts xv. 13-29. 

13. Which James was this? Why did he declare 
the sentence of the council ? To whom did he ad- 
dress himself? 

14. W r hat is referred to as God's visiting the Gen- 
tiles ? What is meant by taking out of them a people ? 
For what purpose was this people selected ? 

15. For what purpose did James quote the pro- 
phets in reference to this ? What is referred to by 
this ? 

16. Where is this written? What is meant by 
after this 7 What do you understand by God's re- 
turning? What is meant by the tabernacle of David? 
How had it fallen down ? In whom was it set up ? 

17. Who were the residue of men? What should 
lead them to seek after the Lord? How was th* 
name of God called upon the Gentiles ? By what in 
etrument was the Lord to do these things ? 



74 



BIBLE LESSONS ON THE 



18. What is the connection of this with what pre- 
cedes ? Was this calling of the Gentiles a long-de- 
termined event? To whom was the promise of ii 
first distinctly made ? 

19. What did James mean by his sentence ? What 
did he refer to as troubling the Gentiles ? How is 
this a conclusion from his argument ? Had not the 
Gentiles turned to God before the gospel was preached 
to them ? What particular turning to God is referred 
to here ? 

20. Were these moral or ceremonial requisitions ? 
What is meant by pollutions of idols? What do you 
understand by blood ? 

21. How is this a reason for the prohibition re- 
ferred to ? What is meant by preaching Moses ? What 
is referred to as thus read? Did the Gentiles attend 
the service of the synagogue ? 

22. Who were these apostles and elders ? What is 
meant by the whole church ? What is meant by their 
oion company? Have we any other notice in the 
New Testament of these two messengers ? 

23. Why were not these letters from the apostles 
alone? Why were they addressed to the Gentiles 
alone ? Why were they addressed to so large a dis- 
trict of country ? 

24. What did they mean by going out from them ? 
How did these words subvert their souls ? To what 
extent was a man a debtor who was circumcised ? 
Does this explain the meaning of the above expres- 
sion ? To whom does we refer ? 

25. 26. Why were these men sent with Paul and 
Barnabas ? To whom does this last verse refer ? 
What do you understani by the name of our Lord 
Jesus Christ? 

27. What were Judas and Silas to communicate 
by word of mouth ? 

28. When had the Holy Ghost declared his plea- 



ACTS OF THE APOSTLES. 



75 



sure in this matter? Why were these things ne 
cessary ? 

29. Upon what ground were the Gentiles required 
to abstain from these things ? How long were these 
ceremonial restrictions obligatory ? What is meant 
by the phrase ye shall do well? 



LESSON XLL— Acts xv. 30-41. 

30. From whence were they dismissed? Which 
of the cities of this name is referred to ? What is 
meant by the multitude ? 

31. To whom does they refer ? What consolation 
did this communication give? Why was liberty 
from the law a consolation ? 

32. What is meant by prophets? Whereas this 
word used elsewhere in this sense ? What was the 
particular object of this exhortation ? What is meant 
by confirming? 

33. What do you understand by their being let go 
in peace ? Of whom is this spoken ? Where were the 
apostles ? Were all the apostles there ? 

34. By what other name is Silas known? What 
does Peter call him? Why did he remain at An- 
tioch ? 

35. What is the distinction (if any) between teaching 
and preaching ? Were there many others preachers ? 

36. What journey had Paul and Barnabas made 
together before? What was the object of this visit? 
Does this last expression refer to bodily health? 

37. Why did Barnabas select John for their attend* 
ant ? Was this the Evangelist Mark ? 

38. What was the reason of Paul's rejecting him? 
When was it that John had left them in this way ? 



76 



BIBLE LESSONS ON THE 



Where did he go upon that occasion ? What work is 

referred to ? 

39. Was this an angry contention ? Were these 
apostles finally separated from each other ? Did Paul 
ever receive John again to his friendship ? "What 
connection had Barnabas with Cyprus ? Do we read 
any thing more of the laboars of Barnabas ? 

40. Was Paul's journey by land or water? What 
do you understand by this recommendation? Does 
this point out the opinion of the brethren upon the 
difference between the apostles ? 

41. What object had Paul in this journey? What 
particular communications did he make to the 
churches ? 



LESSON XLIL— Acts xvi. 1-13. 

1. "^ere Lystra and Derbe in Syria or Cilicia? 
What particular event marked Paul's first visit to 
Lystra ? Had Paul been before acquainted with 
Timothy ? Was the mother of Timothy a Christian ? 
What is meant here by a Greek ? 

2. Does this refer to Timothy or his father ? What 
is meant by well reported of? 

3. Upon what ground did Paul circumcise Timo- 
thy ? Was this inconsistent with the decree of the 
apostles? What were the views which Paul now 
maintained in regard to the Jewish law? What 
connection has this last expression with the circum- 
cision of Timothy ? 

4. Were there Gentile converts in these cities? 
What decrees were these ? To whom were they de- 
livered? Had the apostles and elders in Jerusalem 
authority over all the churches? 

5. How did these decrees tend to establish them 



ACTS OF THE APOSTLES. 



77 



In the faith ? Of what class of persons has it been 
said before, the Lord added daily to the church? 

6. In what way were they received in Galatia ? 
Where were Phrygia and Galatia ? What is meant 
by Asia in this verse ? W T hy should they be forbid- 
den to preach there ? 

7. In which direction from them was Mysia? 
Where was Bythinia ? What spirit is referred to ? 
Why did he thus hinder them in Asia ? 

8. W T here was Troas ? What was the evident de- 
sign of the Holy Spirit in leading them in this direc- 
tion ? 

9. Where was Paul when he saw this vision? 
What is meant by a man of Macedonia? What was 
the assistance they desired ? How should Paul know 
that this was not some deception? 

10. Why was the style of the history here changed 
from they to we? Where was Macedonia? Were 
they to cross the sea for this purpose ? What im- 
portant event in Paul's ministry do these verses 
relate ? 

11. Where was Samothracia? In what direction 
was it from Troas ? Was Neapolis in Asia or 
Europe? 

12. Of what nation was Philippi a colony ? W T hat 
persons are included now in the expression we ? 

13. Why was prayer made by the river side ? 
Were there any Jewish houses of worship beside the 
synagogues ? Does this refer to such an one ? W r ero 
these Jewish or Gentile women? Was there ^ syna- 
gogue at Philippi ? What information does i^e re- 
mainder of the chapter give respecting the ici*-*bit* 
ants of Philippi ? 



78 



BIBLE LESSONS ON THE 



LESSON XLIII.— Acts xvi. 14-24. 

14. Where was Thyatira? For what manufac- 
tures was this city distinguished ? Was Lydia of the 
Jewish religion ? How did the Lord open her heart ? 
What was the consequence of this opening of her 
heart ? 

15. Upon what ground were her family baptized? 
What did she mean by faithful to the Lord? Was she 
a resident of Philippi ? To what extent is hospitality 
a Christian duty ? What is meant by this constraint ? 

16. Does this mean prayer \ or the Jewish oratory? 
What is meant by a spirit of divination ? Were there 
any real inspirations by evil spirits ? What do you 
understand by soothsaying ? In what way did they 
derive gain from this ? 

17. Was this a voluntary action on her part? 
Was this assertion of her's a testimony drawn out by 
the power of God, or an act of Satan's ? If the lat- 
ter, what could he hope from it ? What is meant by 
salvation f 

18. Was it the continuance of this that grieved 
Paul ? For what was he grieved ? To whom did 
Paul address himself? Does this prove that it was 
a real possession of Satan ? What is meant by the 
name of Jesus Christ? 

19. Was the girl now converted? What must 
have been the character of these persons? Why did 
they seize upon Paul and Silas ? Who were these 
rulers ? 

20. Do magistrates and rulers here refer to the 
game persons ? What was the ground of their accu 
sation against the apostles ? What force does their 
being Jews add to the charge? 

21. Why did they not accuse them of their per- 
sonal injustice in destroying their gains? What 



ACTS OF THE APOSTLES. 



79 



kind of customs arc referred to ? How were these 
customs unlawful for Romans? 

22. Were the heathen populace generally disposed 
to persecute the apostles ? Where does Paul refer 
to this punishment? What does he mean by stripes 
above measure ? 

23. Why were they imprisoned after this severe 
scourging? What was the object of the rulers' fear 
in reference to the apostles? 

24. What is meant by the inner prison f Is there 
any evidence of peculiar cruelty on the part of the 
jailer? What were the stocks? Did the rulers 
command this? Under such circumstances, what 
was the source of comfort to the apostles ? 



LESSON XLIV.— Acts xvi. 25-40. 

25. What enabled the apostles to rejoice in their 
confinement ? For what did they praise God ? 

26. Was this a divine interposition in their behalf? 
What did it testify in reference to them ? What ef- 
fect would it be likely to have upon the heathens 
around them ? Why did not the other prisoners 
escape ? 

27. What was the object of the jailer's fear ? Did 
the Romans consider suicide as lawful? 

28. How should Paul know the design of the j ailer ? 
Where was Paul ? Did he know the reason of the 
jailer's apprehension? 

29. What was the particular circumstance which 
arrested the attention of the jailer ? What was the 
cause of his trembling? What should have led 
him to connect these circumstances with Paul and 
Silas ? 

30. From whence did he bring them out? In this 



CO BIBLE LESSONS ON THE 



question did he refer to the salvation of his soul? 
What dangers did he fear? What had produced this 
excitement ? 

81. Did this answer of the apostles open to him 
the way of salvation? What is meant by his be- 
lieving on the Lord Jesus Christ? Could he do 
this ? Would his house be saved by his faith ? 
What was the design of the apostle in this expres- 
sion ? 

32. Had they not already spoken to him the word 
of the Lord ? What does this add to the meaning 
of the last verse ? 

33 What was the immediate proof of his change 
of heart? Wliat light does this circumstance throw 
upon the extent of the miraculous powers of the 
apostles ? What probability must be drawn from 
this in reference to the mode of baptism ? What is 
the meaning of straightway? 

34. Had he no fear of the rulers in this attention 
to the apostles? What was the ground of his joy? 
What is meant by believing in God ? Who were pro- 
bably included in all his house ? What diversity of 
operation was there between the conversion of the 
jailer and the conversion of Lydia ? 

35. Had all these circumstances occurred in the 
night? What led the magistrates to release them? 

36. 37. What particular protection had Roman 
citizens? W r hat is meant by uncondemned ? Why 
did Paul thus insist upon his right as a Roman citi- 
zen ? Was he resisting evil ? 

38. Why did the magistrates fear? In what other 
instances did Paul claim the privileges of a Roman 
citizen ? What is meant here by Roman? 

39. Who are meant by they? What do you under- 
stand by besought? From whence did they bring 
th*em out? Why did they press their departure? 

40. Does this imply that they had not left the pri- 
son before ? What brethren were waiting for them ? 



ACTS OF THE APOSTLES. 81 

How did they comfort them ? Did Paul ever visit 
Philippi again ? Does he refer to this first visit in 
his Epistle to the Philippians ? 



LESSON XLV.— Acts xvii. 1-15. 

1. Did the apostles leave Philippi in dishonour or 
with respect ? Upon what probable ground did they 
pass through these two cities without preaching ? 
Where were they situated? Was Thessalonica an 
important city? Why is it stated that there was 
here a synagogue of the Jews ? 

2. What habit of Paul's is here referred to ? What 
was the reason of this habit? Does reasoning mean 
discussion or dispute? Why did he refer to the 
Scriptures ? 

3. What is meant by opening and alleging? Did 
not the Jews believe that their Messiah was to suffer? 
What way the particular point of dispute between 
the Jews and Christians ? How did the Scriptures 
settle this point? 

4. What was the effect of the gospel here ? What 
does Paul say of this in his Epistle to the Thessalo- 
nians? What is the meaning of consorting with the 
apostles 7 Who are meant by Greeks ? Were these 
chief women Gentiles? 

5. What account does Paul give of his entrance to 
the Thessalonians ? For what were the Jews en- 
vious? What is meant by this description of men? 
Was Jason a connection of Paul's? What brethren 
came with Paul to this place? Where was Luke? 

6. Was this a Jewish or heathen multitude? Of 
which class were the rulers of the city ? What ia 
meant by the world? 

o 



62 



BIBLE LESSONS ON THE 



7. What was Jason's offence ? How had they 
offended against the decrees of Caesar ? What effect 
could this accusation be likely to have? Did the 
Christians make this assertion ? 

8. How should a charge like this trouble the 
rulers? Was it unlawful to establish such a king? 

9. What evidence does this verse give of the cha- 
racter of the rulers? What is meant by security f 
How long did Paul remain in Thessalonica ? What 
information does his second Epistle to the Thessalo- 
nians give upon this point ? What intercourse had 
he with the Philippians while he was here ? 

10. Did the" apostles attempt to avoid persecu- 
tions? At what distance was Berea? For what 
purpose did they go to the synagogue? 

11. Does the term nobler refer to birth? Does re- 
ceiving the word with readiness of mind imply that 
they believed in Jesus Christ ? What were the sub- 
jects of their inquiries from the Scriptures? 

12. How did this searching of the Scriptures tend 
to lead them to believe ? Of whom does Paul say 
the Christians in these parts became followers? 
What duty does the example of the Bereans set be- 
fore us? 

13. What principle of the human heart was exem- 
plified in this conduct of the Jews ? Were these the 
Gentile multitudes that the Jews thus excited ? How 
was the gospel called the word of God ? 

14. What sea is referred to here ? Why was Paul 
sent alone ? For what purpose did the others re- 
main ? 

15. Was this journey by land or water? Where 
was Athens ? Did these brethren come to him ? 
Where did Timothy go from Athens? What enabled 
the apostles thus to labour and to suffer for the 
sake of Christ ? 



ACTS OF THE APOSTLES. 



83 



LESSON XLVL— Acts xvii. 16-34. 

16. For whom did Paul wait? Does this mean 
that Paul was angry ? Why should he feel so much 
interest in the state of the city ? What is meant by 

idolatry t 

17. What is meant by disputing in the synagogues ? 
How often had he this opportunity ? What is meant 
by the market? 

18. What is the meaning of philosopher ? What 
were the peculiar doctrines of these two sects ? 
What is meant by babbler? Who probably called 
him by this name ? What did they mean by gods? 
How could Jesus and the resurrection be called gods? 

19. Who took him? What was the Areopagus? 
Does it mean the place, or the court held there? 
Why was he carried there ? What did they speak 
of as this new doctrine ? 

20. What were the things which they called 
strange ? 

21. Was Athens much frequented by strangers? 
Was mere curiosity their motive in this wish ? 

22. What is meant by Mars-hill? Did he address 
himself to the people ? Did he mean this as a re- 
proach? What was the charge against him? 

23. What is meant by devotions? Why was an 
altar erected with this inscription ? How did Paul 
turn this circumstance to his own defence ? What is 
meant by their ignorantly worshipping ? 

24. What was his first argument against idolatry? 
What is meant by the world? What does Lord mean ? 
Could he not dwell in temples made with hands? 

25. What is meant by worshipped? What is the 
connection between worshipped and needed any thing? 
What is the proof that he needed nothing ? 

26. What is meant by one blood ? When were tho 



84 



BIBLE LESSONS ON THE 



nations divided? What two subjects of God's de 
termination are here referred to ? 

27. What was the object of this providential go- 
vernment? What is meant by feeling after him? How 
could they find him ? In what sense was he not far 
from them ? 

28. How do we live and move in God ? How is 
this connected with this saying of the poet? Why 
did Paul quote a heathen poet? 

29. What is the argument drawn from our being 
God's offspring? Why should this lead us "not to 
think," &c. ? What different objects does the apostle 
here refer to ? 

30. The times of what ignorance ? How did God 
wink at them? How did he now command this? 
What is meant here by repentance ? 

31. What connection has this prospect with the 
repentance spoken of? What is meant by the world? 
How in righteousness? Why does he call Christ fi 
man ? What is referred to as this ordaining ? Of 
what does the event give assurance ? 

32. Had Paul concluded his discourse? Why 
were they surprised at the resurrection from the 
dead? Who were they probably that mocked? 
What other class of persons said the last words in 
this verse ? 

33 What is meant by Paul's departing from among 
them ? 

34. Were these men of high standing? What is 
meant by Areopagile? W T hy is he particularly men- 
tioned? 



LESSON XL VII —Acts xviii. 1-13. 

1. What things were spoken of? Where was 
Corinth ? What was the peculiarity of its situation ? 



ACTS OF THE APOSTLES. 



85 



2. Were these believing Jews ? Why had Claudius 
given this command? In what other places are 
these persons mentioned ? What is meant by came 
unto them? 

3. Does this imply that Paul was of low origin ? 
what was Paul's motive in this labour ? (1 Cor. iv. 
12 ; 2 Thess. iii. 8.) What trade was this ? 

4. Were these Greeks proselytes ? Was Paul at 
first successful ? Who were first converted under 
his ministry here ? 

5. Where had he left Silas and Timotheus ? (xvii. 
14, 15.) Had they been with him since that separa- 
tion? (1 Thess. iii. 1-3.) What intelligence did they 
bring from Thessalonica ? (1 Thess. iii. 6.) What ia 
meant by pressed in spirit ? To whom does spirit refer ? 
What was the great point involved in his discussion 
with the Jews ? 

6. What did they oppose ? Did they answer his 
arguments ? What did he mean by this act ? (Neh. 
v. 13.) What is the meaning of this address to the 
Jews ? (Ezek. xxxiii.) Did he refuse to preach to 
the Jews after this ? 

7. Whence did he depart? Was this Justus a 
Jew? 

8. Were his labours unsuccessful among the Jews ? 
Where else is Crispus mentioned ? What do you 
understand by believing with all his house ? Were 
these Corinthians heathens ? What did they hear ? 
What was the object of their baptism? 

9. Was Paul discouraged? (1 Cor. ii. 3.) Who is 
meant by the Lord? Of what could Paul be afraid? 

10. What promise did this fulfil? Were there a 
large number of converts now in Corinth ? What is 
meant by much people? What was the character of 
this city ? 

11. Who preached with him at this time? (2 Cor. 
i. 19.) How was he supported while at Corinth? 
(2 Cor. xi. 9.) What is meant by leaching the word 



86 



BIBLE LESSONS ON THE 



of God * Was his teaching addressed to the Jews or 
the Gentiles ? What was the character of the Co- 
rinthians before their conversion ? (1 Cor. vi. 10, 11.) 

12. Of what government was Gallio deputy ? Where 
was Achaia ? What occasioned the insurrection of 
the Jews ? Had they not the power to punish hirn ? 
Before what judgment-seat did they bring him? 

13. What was their accusation against him ? What 
worship of God had the law allowed ? How did Paul 
violate this law ? What is Paul's reflection upon 
this persecution ? (1 Cor. iv. 9.) 



LESSON XLVIIL— Acts xviii. 14-28. 

14. Why would not the deputy hear Paul's de- 
fence ? Did Gallio mean to favour Paul? What 
violation of law was he willing to judge ? Is it rea- 
sonable for the civil magistrate to punish any offences 
but those against society ? 

15. What is referred to as words and names ? What 
was the question about the law? Was his'determi- 
nation a just one ? Why did he refuse to judge in 
this case ? 

16. Who are meant by them ? 

17. Who were the Greeks. Is Sosthenes else- 
where mentioned ? Was he now an opposer of Paul? 
What did he afterward become ? Why did the 
Greeks beat him? What is meant by before the judg- 
ment seat ? What things did not Gallio care for ? 

18. What effect did this persecution have upon 
the church ? Who does Paul mention to the Romans 
as a succourer of him at this time ? Does it mean 
that he sailed at once to Syria ? Where did he land? 
Where was Cenchrea? Was it Paul or Aquila that 
had this vow ? Was this & vow to shave his head, or 



ACTS OF THE APOSTLES. 



8? 



ft vow tc let Ms hair grow, now completed ? (Num. 
vi.) Is there any evidence that the Jews ever vowed 
to shave their heads ? What other passages refer to 
this history of Paul ? 

19. Where was Ephesus? How long did he re- 
main there ? 'Who did he leave here ? 

20. Did the Jews desire him to remain longer ? 
Was there a church at Ephesus? Why did he not 
stay with them ? ~- 

21. What feast does he refer to ? What was the 
necessity for this ? Did the law require this ? Was 
the law now obligatory ? Whether did he sail ? 

22. What Csesarea was this? Where did he go 
up ? What church was this ? Which Antioch is 
here spoken of? Why does the historian pass so 
rapidly over these events ? 

23. What was his object in this journey? Had he 
been in this quarter before ? What is meant by in 
order ? What is the meaning of this last expression ? 
Does the historian leave the account of Paul now ? 
Where do we hear of him next ? 

24. Where was Alexandria? Were there many 
Jews there ? What is meant by an eloquent man ? 
What do you understand by mighty in the Scrip- 
tures ? 

25. What was the way of the Lord ? Was he a 
Christian ? What do you understand by fervency 
of spirit? What was the particular knowledge 
which this man had ? What was the baptism of 
John? 

26. Did the Christians habitually attend the ser- 
vice of the synagogue ? What did Aquila hear from 
Apollos? What did they teach him ? 

27. Where did Apollos go ? What is meant by re- 
ceiving him ? What was the nature of his labours at 
Corinth ? What does Paul say of them ? What is 
meant by believing through grace ? 

28. Does this mean that they were really con- 



88 



BIBLE LESSONS ON THE 



vinced, or only silenced? What characteristic of 
Apollos does this display ? What is meant by this 
last expression ? How did Apollos show this ? 



LESSON XLIX.— Acts xix. 1-20. 

1. What is the connection between this verse and 
the preceding chapter ? What are meant by the upper 
coasts ? What was Paul's promise when he left 
Ephesus before ? Do the terms disciple and Christian 
mean the same ? 

2. What probably led to this question? What 
was meant by the Holy Ghost ? What had they be- 
lieved ? Could they mean that they had never heard 
of the existence of the Holy Spirit? In what sense, 
then, must we understand this term as used here ? 

3. What connection could their baptism have 
had with this ? What did they mean by John's 
baptism ? 

4. What is the baptism of repentance ? Did John's 
preaching point out the person of the Messiah ? If 
so, why had not these persons believed in Jesus? 
Why are the names of the Saviour transposed in this 
way ? 

5. Is this verse a continuance of Paul's discourse., 
or a part of the history ? If a part of the history, 
what is meant by their being baptized in the name 
of the Lord Jesus ? 

G. Were the sanctifying influences of the Holy 
Spirit communicated by laying on of the apostles' 
hands ? What does Paul call this laying on of hands, 
m Hebrews vi. 1,2? Are these influences referred 

here? What do you understand by their speak- 
fcg with tongues and prophesying? 

7. Were there no more believers than thii at 



ACTS OF THE APOSTLES. 



89 



Ephesus? How is this made consistent with Paul's 
former visit to Ephesus ? 

8. What is meant by disputing and persuading the 
things concerning the kingdom, of God? 

9. What effect had Paul's preaching in the syna- 
gogue ? What is meant by speaking evil of that way ? 
Who are referred to here? From whom did he de- 
part? Does this mean that he literally preached 
every day ? 

10. How long did Paul remain in Ephesus alto- 
gether? Have you a history of this whole period? 
What must be understood by all who dwelt in Asia? ' 
Had he ever been forbidden to preach in Asia ? 
Were the inhabitants of Asia Greeks ? 

11. What is meant by special miracles? What is 
meant by the hands of Paul? "Were there any un- 
common evidences of power here ? 

12. To whose power are these effects attributed ? 
Had there been previous instances of this kind of 
miracles? What argument might be derived from 
this verse in reference to the existence of evil 
spirits ? 

13. Is the term vagabond here meant as a re- 
proach? Wliat were exorcists? Had men power to 
cast out evil spirits ? What evidence does this give 
of the character of Paul's miracles ? 

14. Did the Mosaic law permit such attempts as 
this ? What is meant by the chief of the priests ? 

15. Did the evil spirits speak this in distinction 
from the man possessed? How might the man have 
been acquainted with Jesus and Paul? 

16. What argument may be drawn from this evi- 
dence of strength? How did God overrule this at- 
tempt to further the operation of the truth ? 

17. Did this become a public matter? W T hy should 
such an event produce fear ? How did it magnify the 
name of Jesus? 

18. What effect had this upon the pretenders to 



00 



BIBLE LESSONS ON THE 



magical arts? What is meant by confessing and 
showing their deeds ? 

19. What are meant by curious arts? What books 
were these? Why did they not sell them, and lay 
the price at the apostles' feet ? Why is the value of 
them stated ? 

20. What connection has this verse with the last ? 
How could the word of God be said to grow ? What 
is meant by prevailing ? What proof does this history 
give us in reference to the gospel? 



LESSON L. — Acts six. 21-40. 

21. What things are here spoken of? What does 
purposed in spirit mean ? What churches had been 
established in Macedonia and Achaia? Had Paul 
been at Rome ? What reason does he give to the Ro- 
mans for his wish to visit them ? Bid he visit Rome 
at this time ? 

22. What is meant by their ministering unto him ? 
Who were the men? What was the object of their 
mission? (1 Cor. xvi.) For how long time did he de- 
sign to remain at Ephesus ? 

23. What is meant by that way ? What is meant 
by stir ? 

24. What were these shrines ? What was Diana 
supposed to represent? Who were the craftsmen? 

25. What is the distinction between craftsmen and 
workmen? What is meant by this craft? 

26. What evidence does this acknowledgment give 
of Paul's success? How did lie turn aicay much peo- 
ple ? What is meant by this last assertion ? 

27. What two motives did Demetrius use with 
them ? What did ho mean by magnificence ? Did all 



ACTS OP THE APOSTLES. 91 



the world worship this idol ? What advantage was 
ihis general worship to Ephesus ? 

28. Why were they full of wrath ? What was the 
object of the exclamation? 

29. Why did they rush into the theatre? Where 
else do you read of these persons ? Why should this 
create so much disorder ? 

30. Why did Paul wish to go into the theatre ? 
What remark of his to the Corinthians probably al- 
ludes to this ? 

31. What is here meant by the chief of Asia? 
Why were they particularly desirous to preserve 
him ? Had he a right to expose himself? 

32. What does this verse describe ? How was it 
that they knew not for what they had assembled ? 

33. Who was Alexander ? Why did the Jews put 
him forward ? What defence had he to make ? 

34. If this were a persecution of Paul, what had 
the Jews to do with him ? Why did they thus cry 
out, when they knew that he was a Jew? 

35. Who was the town-clerk ? What does this ad- 
dress imply in reference to the worship of Diana ? 
What is meant by a worshipper ? How could a city 
be a worshipper? What is meant by the image 
which fell down from Jupiter ? 

36. What things did he refer to ? Why could they 
not be spoken against ? 

37. What could he mean by churches ? How could 
this goddess be blasphemed ? What opinion does he 
seem to entertain of the apostles ? Did he take th8 
side of the idolaters ? 

38. What is meant by a matter against any man f 
What law governed in Ephesus ? Who were the de- 
puties ? 

89. What did he mean by a lawful assembly? 
What distinction of offences and of authority does he 
refer to ? 

40. By whom could they be called in question! 



92 



BIBLE LESSONS ON THE 



What did he mean by calling hi question? What 
might be esteemed a proper cause for such a con- 
course ? 

41. What is meant by the assembly ? What seems 
to have been the character of this man? Is it not 
remarkable that such a man should defend idolatry? 



LESSON LI. — Acts xx. 1-12. 

1. What uproar is here referred to ? Where did 
Paul call the disciples ? What churches had he es- 
tablished in Macedonia ? Whom had he sent before 
him to these churches ? 

2. What is meant by those parts ? What is meant 
by much exhortation ? What was Paul's object in 
this journey ? What country is here spoken of? 

3. Where did he thus abide ? Whither did he de- 
sign to go ? How did he intend to return to Syria ? 
How did he return? 

4. Where else are any of these persons mentioned? 
How are they spoken of? What country is here meant 
by Asia ? 

5. Who are referred to as these? Where was 
Troas ? 

6. Who are included in the term we? Where was 
Philippi? What were the days of unleavened bread? 
In what different quarters of the globe where Phi- 
lippi and Troas ? Why was this voyage so unusually 
long ? 

7. What is meant by the first day of the week? 
What custom of the early Christians is here referred 
to ? What is meant by breaking bread ? Where 
was Paul going ? What occasioned this protracted 
discourse ? 



ACTS OF THE APOSTLES. 



8. Why did the Christians assemble in an upper 
chamber ? Why is it related that there were many 
lights there ? 

9. What were the ancient windows ? Are any cir* 
cumstances related to excuse this young man ? Was 
this young man actually dead ? 

10. Why did Paul fall on him ? What similar in- 
stances are elsewhere recorded ? What is meant by 
this last expression ? 

11. What seems to have been done after this cir- 
cumstance ? Is it probable that this was a celebra- 
tion of the Lord's Supper? Does the word talked 
mean the same as preached, in the seventh verse? 
How long was this assembly for worship continued ? 
Where did Paul go? 

12. Where did they bring the young man? What 
had given them comfort ? 



LESSON LIL— Acts xx. 13-24. 

13. Who are meant by we? Does before mean be- 
fore the preaching of Paul at Troas ? What distance 
was Assos from Troas ? Why had Paul made this 
appointment ? 

14. Does this mean that they had continued their 
voyage in the same vessel from Philippi? Where 
was Mytilene ? 

15. What is the modern name of Chios? What 
was the course of this voyage? Where was Mi- 
letus ? 

16. What is meant by sailing hy Fphesus? Why 
did he thus hasten ? What peculiar object had he in 
being in Jerusalem at this time ? What had been 
the purpose of the journey he had taken? 



94 



BIBLE LESSONS ON THE 



17. At what distance was Ephesus ? Who were the 
elders of the church t What church is referred to ? 

18. Had Paul authority over these elders ? How 
long was it since he had first come to Asia ? What 
is meant by what manner ? What is meant by all 
seasons ? 

19. Does serving the Lord refer to his conduct as 
an apostle, or as a Christian ? What is meant by 
humility of mind? What by tears and temptations f 
Does the preceding history illustrate this ? How did 
the Jews lie in wait ? 

20. What is meant by keeping back here? Does 
profitable refer to doctrine ? Is any doctrine of the 
Scripture unprofitable? What do you understand by 
showing and teaching ? What kinds of ministration 
does he here refer to ? 

21. Did he preach the same doctrine to all mei. ? 
What is the meaning of testifying? Why is this dis- 
tinction between the objects of repentance and faitfe? 
What is meant by the two? 

22. What do you understand by bound in the Sjri- 
rit? Had he any reason to fear in going to Jerusa- 
lem ? 

23. How did the Holy Ghost witness this ? Does 
it mean that the witness was given in every city, or 
that there were bonds and afflictions in every city? 
What is meant by bonds and afflictions? 

24. What things are spoken of ? How might they 
have moved him? What is meant by counting bis 
life dear unto himself? What was his course? IIo^ 
could he finish it with joy? What was his ministry ? 
How had he received it ? What was the object of h'f 
ministry ? What is meant by the gospel of the gr*. t 
•f G}d ? 



ACTTS OP THE APOSTLES. 



95 



LESSON LIIL— Acts xx. 25-38. 

25. Who did he mean by ye all? What is meant 
by the kingdom of God ? How did he know that 
they should see him no more ? "What result did he 
expect from this journey? 

26. What is meant by taking to record ? How was 
he pure from the blood of all men? What is meant 
by blood here ? 

27. What does he refer to as the counsel of God? 
What is the whole counsel of God ? How had he not 
shunned to declare it ? What temptation had he to 
do this ? 

28. What exhortation does he derive from his own 
example? Whom was he addressing? How were 
they to take heed to themselves ? How to the flock ? 
What is meant by the flock ? What office did they 
sustain ? How had the Holy Ghost made them over- 
seers ? What is meant by feeding here ? How did 
God purchase his church ? In what sense is it pro- 
per to speak of the blood of God ? 

29. What did he mean by his departing? How did 
he know this ? Who are spoken of as grievous 
wolves ? How should they enter in among the 
church ? What is meant by not sparing the flock ? 

80. How did such men arise from among them- 
selves? What are meant by perverse things? How 
did they draw away disciples ? Does it mean disci- 
ples of Jesus, or of themselves? 

31. For what were they to watch? What connec- 
tion had this with their recollection of Paul ? Had 
he been in Ephesus three years? Of what did he 
warn men? Does this mean that he was always thus 
occupied ? Why was it done with tears ? 

32. How did he commend them to God? What is 
the word of his grace? What is referred to as able 



96 BIBLE LESSONS ON THE 

to build them up? In what did they need building 
up? What inheritance is spoken of? Who are 
those which are sanctified ? What is meant by sanc- 
tified? 

33. What feature of his ministry does Paul here 
refer to ? W T hy are these three things mentioned ? 

34. How did he show that he had no worldly de- 
signs ? Where is there other evidence of this fact ? 

35. What is meant here by showing? How were 
they to labour ? What is meant by supporting the 
weak ! How would their labour support the weak ? 
Do the gospels contain these words of the Lord 
Jesus? How had they heard of them? What is 
the blessedness of giving ? Why is it more than of 
receiving? 

36. Does this afford any argument for posture in 
prayer ? What is meant by his praying with them ? 
Does praying with all mean that he prayed with each 
individually? 

37. What was the peculiar bond of their attach- 
ment to Paul ? What peculiarity of custom is no- 
ticed ? 

38. What other cause for sorrow had they than the 
one here noticed? Was this the greatest of the afflic- 
tions that had been foretold to them ? Did they see 
him no more ? What is meant by this last expression ? 



LESSON LIV.— Acts xxi. 1-14. 

L From whom did the apostles here separate? 
Where was Coos ? Where were Rhodes and Patara? 

2. Where was Phenicia ? What is meant by sail- 
ing over ? 

3 What region was called Syria? Was Tyro now 



ACTS OP THE APOSTLES 



a remarkable oity? What prophecies have been ful- 
filled of Tjre? 

4. Has there been any previous account of the 
preaching of the gospel at Tyre ? What is meant by 
through {he Spirit? Why should Paul disobey the 
command of the Spirit ? 

5. What days are spoken of? Did they leave 
Tyre by water ? What is meant by brought us on 
our way? Were these the wives and children of 
Paul's company? What was the location of Tyre? 
What lesson does this separation teach us ? 

6. Were these Christians before acquainted w«ith 
each other? What was their bond of union? In 
what direction were Paul arid his companions going? 

7. Where Was Ptolemais ? What is meant by 
saluting the brethren ? 

8. How did they leave Ptolemais ? Where waa 
Caesarea ? What previous account have we of Philip ? 
What is meant by an evangelist? What do you un- 
derstand by one of the seven ? 

9. What is meant here by prophesying ? Were fe- 
males allowed to be public teachers ? 

10. Does the term prophet here mean the same as 
prephesying in the former verse ? Have we read of 
this prophet before ? 

11. Was this a customary method of giving infor- 
mation among the Jews ? W r hat other instances do 
the Scriptures give of such prophetic signs? Was 
this warning meant to deter Paul from his journey? 
Was this accomplished ? By whom was Paul bound ? 
To whom was he delivered? 

12. Why should they thus beseech him? Waa it 
not an honour to suffer for the name of Christ? 
What is meant by they of that place ? 

13. What is the meaning of Paul's question? 
What power sustained the apostle in this determina- 
tion ? What is meant by the name of the Lord 



7 



98 



BIBLE LESSONS ON THE 



Jesus? In what did Faul glory? What did he call 
the better part? 

14. Did they do wrong- in attempting to persuade 
him? What is the proper meaning of the last ex- 
pression? What can enable us to use it? Can we 
use it with truth ? 



LESSON LV.— Acts xxi. 15-26. 

16. What days are spoken of? What is meant by 
carriages? What distance was Jerusalem ? 

16. What peculiar character of Christians does 
the term disciple denote ? Was Mnason a resident 
of Jerusalem ? What is meant by an old disciple ? 

17. Were there any peculiar reasons why the Jew- 
ish Christians should be glad to see them? 

18. Does this imply that James had not been one 
of the brethren mentioned before? What office did 
he sustain at Jerusalem? Which James was this? 
Who were the elders ? 

19. Was this a public assembly ? What extent of 
ministry had Paul to account for ? Why did he re- 
fer to the Gentiles particularly? What does he 
teach us by the manner of his account ? 

20. Who had heard him ? What is meant by glo- 
rifying the Lord? How should he see this? Were 
these all residents of Jerusalem? Were all Jewish 
Christians zealous for the law ? What is the mean- 
ing of this expression ? 

21. How had they received this information ? Was 
it true ? What had been Paul's instruction in 
reference to this ? What is meant by walking after 
the customs ? 

22. What is the meaning of this question? What 
multitude is referred to * How should they hear it ? 



ACTS OP THE APOSTLES. 



99 



23. What effect could this compliance have? What 
is meant by we have four men ? What was the na- 
ture of this vow ? 

24. What is meant by purifying ? What charges 
must he be at? Who were all? How would this 
prove that their information had been incorrect? 
What is meant by walking orderly 9 What by keep- 
ing the law ? 

25. When had this been done ? What is referred 
to by no such thing ? Does this text point by whom 
this determination had been made ? 

26. Why was it necessary for him to enter into the 
temple ? What is meant by signifying ? What offer- 
ing was required ? Was this conduct of Paul con- 
sistent with his former preaching ? Was he bound 
to give this obedience to the law ? 



LESSON LVL— Acts xxi. 27-40. 

27. What is meant here by the seven days ? How 
long was Paul in Jerusalem ? Were these uncon- 
verted Jews ? Why were foreign J ews here at this 
time ? 

28. What is meant by men of Israel? Who were 
the people ? Was it a violation of the law for Greeks 
to come into the temple ? How had he polluted the 
holy place ? 

29. Was Trophimus a Gentile? Where did he 
join himself to Paul? Was there any foundation for 
their charge against Paul ? 

30. Was this an extensive tumult? Why did 
they draw him out of the temple ? By whom were 
the doors shut ? 

31. Would this have fulfilled the prophecy in 
reference to this event ? What is meant by tidings 



100 BIBLE LESSONS ON THE 



came, &c. ? Where was he ? How large was his com- 
mand ? For what was he stationed at Jerusalem? 

32. Was his object to preserve Paul? Did they 
respect the authority of the chief captain ? 

33. What was this method of confinement ? Why 
did he bind Paul ? To whom did he address this de- 
mand? 

34. Were the multitude ignorant of the charge 
against Paul? Where was the castle? Was Pau] 
carried there for protection or punishment ? 

35. How was the castle connected with the tem- 
ple ? W T hy were the people so violent ? 

36. What was the meaning of this cry? Do \19 
read elsewhere of a cry like this ? 

37. Does this mean as he was about being con- 
fined ? Was the chief captain a Greek ? Why did 
he ask this ? 

38. What did he refer to here? What days are 
spoken of ? Where was there a wilderness ? What 
is meant by murderers ? What led him to think Paul 
was this Egyptian ? 

39. Was Tarsus a Jewish city ? Where was Cili- 
cia? What did he mean by no mean city? Why did 
he wish to speak to the people? 

40. Was he now secure from their power ? Could 
he see a large portion of the people from these stairs? 
What is meant by a great silence ? What was the 
Hebrew tongue ? Were they particularly attached 
to this ? Did the chief captain and the soldiers un- 
derstand this ? 



LESSON LVIL— Acts xxii. 1-1G. 

1. Why did Paul address the Jews with so much 
respect ? Against what charge did he defend him- 
self? Where were the Jews collected? 



ACTS OF THE APOSTLES. 101 



2. "What language is known under this title ? Vfhj 
should this lead them to pay the more attention ? 

3. What effect had this statement of his birth and 
education upon the charge now made against him ? 
What is meant here by Jews? W 7 hat is referred to 
as the perfect manner of the fathers ? Were they 
zealous toward God ? What is the meaning of that 
expression ? 

4. What is meant by this way ? How could this 
way be persecuted ? What is meant by delivering 
into prisons ? 

5. Was Paul known to the high-priest ? What is 
the estate of the elders ? Who are meant by the 
brethren ? Did Paul persecute the Christians in 
Judea out of Jerusalem ? Why were they to be 
brought to Jerusalem to be punished? 

6. What force does his statement of the time add 
to this occurrence? What is the meaning of sud- 
denly ? Was this any natural light ? 

7. How had Saul persecuted Jesus ? Does this 
show that Jesus was still alive ? 

8. Why was Jesus called by this title ? Had Paul 
any particular reason for using this title now ? Were 
the Jews accustomed to respect voices from heaven ? 
Would this add any dignity to the character of 
Jesus in their estimation? 

9. Who were with Saul ? How are the differences 
in thest accounts to be reconciled ? What did they 
hear, and what did they not hear ? 

10. What things were appointed for him to do ? 
Why was he to learn these things in Damascus ? 
What do you understand by appointed ? 

11. Wfrs his blindness a natural effect of this 
light? Is it probable his attendants understood the 
state of his mind ? 

12. What is meant here by devout man according to 
the law 9 How could a Christian have a good reputa- 
tion among all the Jews ? 



102 



BIBLE LESSONS ON THE 



13. What is the meaning of the first part of this 
verse ? Why should Ananias call him brother Saul ? 

14. Why was God spoken of under this title? 
What is meant by chosen? What is referred to as 
the will of God ? Who was that Just One ? Does this 
refer to what Saul had already heard ? 

15. Whose witness was he to be? What effect 
would the experience of Paul have upon the gospel ? 

16. "What is the meaning of this question ? Does 
baptism wash away sins ? What i3 the meaning of 
calling upon the name of the Lord? Were the 
Christians known by this appellation ? 



LESSON LVIIL— Acts xxii. 17-30. 

17. Why does he pass over this intermediate time? 
Did the Jews affix any peculiar worth to prayer in 
the temple? What is meant by a trance? Did they 
esteem it a privilege to receive a vision in the 
temple ? 

18. Who is referred to as him ? For what part of 
his conduct did he bring this as an excuse ? What 
was his testimony ? 

19. Was Paul desirous at that time to remain m 
Jerusalem ? What effect did he suppose their know- 
ledge of this would have ? Does this mean that ht 
beat them in the synagogue? 

20. What is the meaning of martyr? How did 
Saul consent to his death ? Why should^ he keep 
their raiment ? Did he unite in slaying him ? 

21. Did the Lord answer Saul's appeal? Who 
are meant by Gentiles? What is meant by far 
hence ? 

22. What word is referred to? Why did thia 



ACTS OF THE APOSTLES. 103 



occasion so much rage? What did they mean by 
this exclamation? What was his offence in their 
view? 

23. Why did they cast off their clothes ? What is 
meant by their throwing dust in the air ? Were these 
usual forms of expressing abhorrence ? 

24. Did the chief captain understand the nature 
of the disturbances ? What castle is spoken of ? 
What is meant by examining ? How should he ascer 
tain in this way why they cried against him ? 

25. Why did they bind him? Did Paul resis 
evil? Was he a Roman ? Was he uncondemned ? 

26. Why did this move the centurion ? What 
did he mean by this caution? What is meant 
here by a Roman? What security had the Roman 
citizens? 

27. Had not the chief captain been present during 
the previous circumstances? 

28. What did he refer to as this freedom ? Was 
It ever sold ? What did Paul mean by his assertion ? 
Was his privilege higher than the chief captain's ? 

29. Who were these ? Of what was the chief cap- 
tain afraid ? Was it unlawful to bind a Roman ? Is 
it right for us to insist upon our privileges in oppo- 
sition to wrong ? 

30. Did not the chief captain yet understand the 
accusation against Paul ? Had he kept him bound ? 
Had Paul been before the council on a former day ? 
What was this council? What power had they 
in reference to Paul ? Did he present Paul as a 
criminal ? What -was his object in bringing him 
down? 



104 BIBLE LESSONS ON THE 



LESSON LIX.— Acts xxiii. 1-11. 

1. Why did Paul so earnestly behold the coun- 
cil? What did he mean by this assertion? Had 
he lived with a good conscience in his unconverted 
state? 

2. What excited the anger of the high-priest ? To 
whom was this command given ? 

3. Did Paul speak in the language of threaten- 
ing? What did he mean by whited wall? What 
do you understand by after the law? Was this 
smiting contrary to the law ? To what law ? 

4. Did the law forbid such revilings ? Whose au- 
thority did the high-priest represent ? 

5. How could Paul be ignorant of this fact? Was 
this man the high-priest ? To what must Paul have 
referred ? Where is this written ? 

6. What were the differences between Sadducees 
and Pharisees? Were both these sects in the coun- 
cil ? Of what circumstance did Paul here take ad- 
vantage ? Was Paul a Pharisee ? Was he called in 
question for this hope? How can you explain this 
verse ? Was this conduct honourable in Paul ? 

7. Why should this cause a dissension? What 
multitude is referred to ? How were they divided? 

8. What is meant here by resurrection, and angel, 
or spirit? What is meant by confessing? What con- 
nection has this with the previous narrative ? What 
information do the gospels give in reference to these 
two classes? What are their peculiar objections to 
the gospel? 

9. What is meant by a great cry? Who were the 
scribes? What is meant by the Pharisees' part? 
What did they mean by this assertion? What did 
they refer to as a spirit or angel speaking to him * 
How would they fight against God ? 



ACTS OF THE APOSTLES. 



105 



10. Was this dissension in the council ? Was the 
chief captain present ? How was Paul in danger in 
this dissension ? Does this mean force exercised upon 
Paul? 

11. What is meant by the Lord's standing by him? 
What encouragement did this give to Paul ? What is 
meant by good cheer ? How had Paul testified for 
him in Jerusalem? Was it consolation to know 
coming difficulties ? How did the Lord sustain him ? 
Was there danger also in bearing witness for Christ 
at Rome? 



LESSON LX.— Acts xxiii. 12-24. 

12. What was the immediate reason of the rage 
of these persons? What is meant by bound under a 
curse ? When was this done ? Were such vows tole- 
rated among the Jews? 

13. Why is this fact so particularly related? What 
is meant by a conspiracy? How did these events 
promote the accomplishment of the Lord's assurance 
in the lHh verse? 

14. Would the council suffer such unjust agree- 
ments ? Does not the declaration of this fact to the 
council show their character ? What did they mean 
by a great curse ? How did they excuse themselves 
in this? 

15. Does this request imply that the chief captain 
was disposed to favour Paul? Would he be disposed 
to grant such a request of the council ? What cir- 
cumstances in the location of the temple might fa- 
vour such a project? 

16. How did Christ defeat this plan ? Does the 
expression of this text imply that they had made the 
arrangements proposed? Does this show in what 
manner Paul was confined ? 



1<P6 BIBLE LESSONS ON THE 



17. What office did the centurions sustain ? What 
was the character of this young man? Had the 
chief captain power to preserve Paul? When Paul 
had a promise of safety, why was it necessary for 
him to employ means for his defence ? 

18-22. By whom was Paul made a prisoner? How 
long was he confined? What do we learn of the cha- 
racter of the chief captain? Who are meant by the 
Jews in the 20th verse? What is meant by they are 
ready in the 21st verse? 

23. Was this immediately done? What distance 
was Cesarea? Why were they sent there? What 
was the third hour of the night ? Why should this 
be done in the night? 

24. Of what country was Felix governor? Under 
what character was Paul sent to him ? Why did not 
the Christians in Jerusalem, if there wtie many 
thousands, assist Paul? 



LESSON LXI.— Acts xxiii. 25-35. 

25, 26. Was this title a testimony to the character 
of Felix? What was the character of Felix? What 
is meant by greeting? What relation did the chief 
captain bear to the governor? 

27. To what circumstance does this refer? What 
is meant by should have been? Why is the term army 
used? Did he know the character of Paul when he 
rescued him? How must this be understood? What 
is meant by a Roman? Was this a true assertion? 

28. By whom was he accused? What is meant by 
brought him forth ? What council was this ? 

29. How did he perceive this ? What is meant by 
questions of their law ? Why was he bound ? Wha1 



ACTS OP THE APOSTLES. 107 



was laid to Paul's charge ? Why was he not at once 
released ? 

30. Why was he sent to Felix? Who became the 
accusers of Paul? 

31. Where was Antipatris? Did they stop there ! 

32. Was there less danger to Paul leyond this 
place ? What habits of Roman soldiers are referred 
to here? Where was the castle? 

33. 34. What effect would this question of the go- 
vernor have upon Paul's trial ? 

35. What connection has this declaration with the 
former question? Was he kept as a prisoner? What 
is meant by Herod's judgment-hall? What Herod 
was this? How was the assurance of Christ to 
Paul now fulfilling ? 



LESSON LXIL— Acts xxiv. 1-15. 

1. From what period are these five days counted? 
What is meant by descended? What is meant by 
informed ? Does who refer to Tertullus ? 

2. From whence was he called forth? Did the 
Jews enjoy peace under Felix? Had he procured 
any benefits for them? What is meant by provi- 
dence ? 

3. What is meant by all places ? Why did he ad- 
dress Felix with this title ? 

4. What was the object of Tertullus in this intro- 
duction ? What does he mean by clemency ? 

5. What was his first charge against Paul? What 
is meant by a pestilent fellow, mover of sedition? What 
is his second charge? What is meant by Naza- 
renes ? 

6. What is his third charge ? In what manner did 
they say Paul had profaned the temple ? Did they 



108 



BIBLE LESSONS ON THE 



design to give him a regular trial ? What law did 

they refer to ? 

7. Was this a true account of the chief captain's 
interference ? 

8. Who were his accusers? What is meant by 
take knowledge? 

9. To what did the Jews assent ? What Jews are 
referred to ? Was Tertullus a Jew ? 

10. Was Paul a prisoner? What privilege did 
the Roman law allow to prisoners? What effect 
would the knowledge of this have upon Paul's de- 
fence ? 

11. How does Paul divide his defence? What 
does he answer against the first charge ? 

12. What reference had this to the accusation? 

13. What proof could have been required? To 
what things does he refer ? 

14. How does he answer the second charge? What 
is meant by the word heresy? To whom does he 
refer as the God of his fathers ? Was this believing, 
evidence that he was not a heretic ? 

15. What connection lias this with the accusation? 
Bid the Jews allow the doctrine of a resurrection ? 
Where in the Old Testament is it proclaimed? 



LESSON LXIIL— Acts xxiv. 16-27. 

16. What did this answer in the charge which was 
made against him? What is meant by conscience? 
What by a conscience void of offence ? 

17. What charge does he answer here ? What 
does he mean by offerings ? 

18. How was he purified? Does multitude and 
tumult refer to him? What did this prove? 



ACTS OF THE APOSTLES. 



109 



19. Why should they have been there ? What was 
the charge which they made against him ? 

20. Did the Jews who were present know nothing 
of him but what took place in the council ? 

21. Was this assertion of his before the council a 
crime ? What was the object with which he mad« 
that assertion ? Has he answered the charges which 
were made against him ? 

22. What is meant by that way? How had Felix 
more perfect knowledge of it ? Why should this lead 
him to defer the matter ? What did he expect to 
have from Lysias ? 

23. What change did he make in Paul's imprison- 
ment? What privileges did he give him? What 
would this lead us to suppose of Felix's opinion in 
this case ? 

24. What is meant by Felix coming ? Was it law- 
ful for a Jewess to marry a Gentile? What is meant 
by the faith in Christ ? 

25. What connection had this with the charac- 
ter of his hearers ? What is meant by reasoning 
of these things? What caused Felix to tremble? 
What was his design in calling for Paul before? 
What was the reason of his promising to hear him 
again ? 

26. What money could he expect from a poor apos- 
tle? What is meant by loosing him ? What is meant 
by communing with him ? 

27. Why did Felix wish to gratify the Jews? How 
was Paul bound? How can you account for this 
long confinement of the apostle? 



110 



BIBLE LESSONS ON THE 



LESSON LXIV.— Acts xxy. 1-13. 

1 . What province is referred to ? Why did he go 
up to Jerusalem ? 

2. For what should they beseech him? 

3. What favour did they want ? Why did they re- 
solve to kill him themselves? 

4. What led Festus to this course ? Did the re- 
quest seem unreasonable ? 

5. To what does able refer? What is meant by 
accusing? What would he consider wickedness? 

6. Did any of the Jews accompany him to Cesa- 
rea ? 

7. What is meant by grievous complaints? Why 
could they not prove them ? 

8. Why did not Paul answer at large as he had 
done before? What charges did he here reply to? 

9. What object had Festus in view? What led 
Paul to refuse to return to Jerusalem? 

10. How was this Coesar's judgment-seat ? Under 
what character could he claim a decision there? 
How should Festus know this fact? 

11. By the decisions of what law did he profess a 
willingness to be governed? Whac is meant by if 
there be none of those things ? What is meant by no 
man may deliver me tip? What effect would his appeal 
have upon his cause ? 

12. Who are meant by the council? Who was 
meant by Caesar? Was this an angry reply? 

13. Was Paul immediately sent away? Who were 
these persons? Wha* connection had they with 
Festus ? 



ACTS OF THE APOSTLES. Ill 



LESSON LXV.— Acts xxv. 14-27. 

11. What was the motive of Festus in making 
this communication to Agrippa? What is meant by 
Paul's cause? How was Paul left in bonds? 

15. What information had he derived from the 
chief priests ? What was the request of these per- 
sons? 

16. Had they asked for Paul's death ? Does the 
history state this answer as made by Festus ? 

17. 18. What accusation did Festus expect? Does 
this show the extent of information which had been 
given him at Jerusalem ?. 

19. What does he mean by superstition? Does 
this show the peculiar objection of the Jews against 
Paul? 

20. What does he mean by doubted of such manner of 
questions ? Would he get more information at Jeru- 
salem ? 

21. What is meant by Augustus ? Had every Ro- 
man citizen this privilege ? How was he to be kept ? 

22. Had Agrippa authority to judge Paul? Why 
should he wish to hear him ? Had Agrippa any 
knowledge of the Christian religion ? 

23. What was the design of this assembly ? What 
was the place of hearing ? How was Paul brought 
forth ? 

24. "What was the object of this address? What 
is meant by dealt with me t * 

25. What would have been worthy of death in the 
opinion of Festus? Does determine mean a public 
decision ? 

26. What was the difficulty which Festus found ? 
To whom does he refer as his lord ? What reason 
does he give for bringing Paul out? 

27. Why should he not have set Paul at liberty? 



112 



BIBLE LESSONS ON THE 



Were there no crimes laid against Paul 1 Why should 
he not state them to the emperor ? 



LESSON LXVI.— Acts xxvi. 1-18. 

1. Was this a trial of Paul? Had Agrippa any 
authority over him ? W T hat is meant by his stretch- 
ing forth his hand ? Was he accused here ? 

2. What peculiar advantage had he in speaking 
before Agrippa ? Of what things was he accused of 
the Jews ? 

3. Was Agrippa a Jew ? What is meant by cus- 
toms and questions ? How had he gained his know- 
ledge of them? 

4. What does Paul mean by manner of life? Was 
his youth spent at Jerusalem ? Why should he have 
been so well known ? 

5. What is meant by the beginning? Were they 
unwilling to testify ? What is meant by straitest ? 
What religion is spoken of? What is the meaning of 
Pharisee ? 

C. Was he now to be judged ? What does he mean 
by the hope of the promise ? When, and to whom, was 
this promise made ? 

7. Who were ni3ant by the twelve tribes? What 
Is meant by instantly serving God? How could they 
hope to come to a promise ? Was he really accused 
for the sake of this hope ? How was Christianity 
connected with this hope ? 

8. Was it thought incredible that God should 
raise the dead ? Upon what is our hope of a resur- 
rection of the dead founded ? What is a resurrection 
of the dead ? 

9. Why does he refer to this ? Did he couside* 



ACTS OP THE APOSTLES. 



113 



Ms former course the course of duty? What is 
meant by the name of Jesus of Nazareth? 

10. What does he refer to as which thing 7 Who 
are meant by saints ? Why are such persons called 
saints? Have we accounts of all these persecutions? 
What does he mean by giving his voice against 
them? 

11. How were men punished in the synagogue ? 
What is meant by blasphemy? Could a saint be 
compelled to blaspheme ? Why was Paul so exceed- 
ingly mad against them ? 

12. What authority could the chief priest exercise 
in Damascus ? 

13. Why does he refer so particularly to the time 
of the day? What light could be above the bright- 
ness of the sun? 

14. Why does he relate these circumstances so 
minutely? What difference do you find between 
this account and the one we have before considered ? 
What is the reason for the difference of these two 
statements ? 

16. For what purpose had Christ appeared t<? 
him? What is meant by a minister and a witness? 
What things had Paul seen ? What things were yet 
to be revealed unto him ? 

17. Who are meant by the people?^ Who were 
the Gentiles ? Was Paul immediately sent to the 
Gentiles ? 

18. What is meant by opening their eyes? What 
are meant by darkness and light ? What by the 
power of Satan ? What do you understand by for- 
giveness of sins? Could they not receive it until 
they had been turned to God ? What inheritance is 
this ? What is meant by sanctified ? How are men 
anctified? What is meant by faith that is in me? 



8 



114 BIBLE LESSONS ON THE 



LESSON LXVII.— Acts xxvi. 19-32. 

19. What does he mean by the heavenly vision? 
How did he show that he was not disobedient ? 

20. What is meant here by showing ? Did he go 
to Jerusalem before he went to the Gentiles? What 
is repentance ? How is it connected with turning to 
God? What are works meet for repentance ? 

21. For what causes ? How did they design to kill 
him ? 

22. By whom was he rescued ? Does he refer to 
that circumstance here? What does he mean by 
witnessing ? Who are meant by small and great ? Did 
Paul preach nothing new to men ? 

23. Did Moses and the prophets predict this? Did 
they foretell his resurrection? What is meant by 
showing light ? To whom was this light shown ? 

24. What led Festus to this opinion ? What does 
he refer to as learning ? 

25. What does the conduct of Paul here teach us ? 
What is meant by truth and soberness ? 

26. Had Agrippa a better opportunity than Festus 
to know these things ? What things does he refer to 
as not done in a corner ? 

27. What is the meaning of this question ? Who 
were the prophets? How did Paul know that 
Agrippa believed them? 

28. What effect %as produced on the mind of 
Agrippa ? What is meant here by Christian ? Was 
Agrippa almost persuaded, or persuaded to be almost 
a Christian ? 

29. What was Paul ? What was his desire ? 
What is meant by both almost and altogether ? Why 
should he except his bonds? What was Paul's 
motive in this assertion? AVhat bonds did he re- 
fer to ? 



ACTS OF THE APOSTLES. 



115 



30. Were they offended with Paul's ardour ? 

31. Did they go expressly to confer upon this sub- 
ject ? From what did they draw this conclusion ? 

32. How did this appeal prevent his being set 
at liberty ? For what purpose was God overruling 
this? What divine prediction was thus to be ful- 
filled? 



LESSON LXVIIL— Acts xxvii. 1-26. 

1. Why was this determination made? Who are 
referred to as we ? Why should they sail into Italy ? 
What is meant by the Augustan band ? 

2. What is meant by the coasts of Asia ? Have 
you before read of Aristarchus? 

3. Had Paul visited Sidon on his way to Jerusa- 
lem? What divine promise do we see fulfilled 
here ? 

4. What is meant by sailing under Cyprus ? What 
winds would have been contrary to them ? 

5. What is meant by sailing over the sea of Cilicia t 
What peculiar interest had Paul in this country? 

6. Where was Alexandria ? 

7. Will you trace this voyage ? 

8. What is meant by hardly passing ? 

9. What fast is here referred to ? What connec- 
tion had this with their sailing ? At what season 
did this occur ? 

10. £rom whom did Paul derive this knowledge ? 
How was he in danger after the promise he had re- 
ceived? 

11. Had the centurion the control of the voyage? 
Why should he rather attend to the master of the 
ship than to Paul ? 

12. What haven is spoken of? Were they obliged 



116 BIBLE LESSONS ON THE 



to sp^nd a winter on this voyage? Where was 
Crete ? 

14. What kind of wind is here referred to ? What 
name is this now called by? 

20. Why should they say that all hope was taken 
away? 

21. What is meant by abstinence? How had they 
brought this difficulty upon themselves ? 

23. What character of the angels is here displayed ? 
Does whose refer to angel or God ? 

24. What is meant by giving them to Paul ? What 
Was really given to him ? 

25. How does faith lead us to be of good cheer ? 
Are we not bound to believe all that God says unto 
us ? What then deprives us of comfort ? 



LESSON LXIX.— Acts xxvii. 27-44. 

27. From what time is this night counted ? Where 
is Adria ? 

32. How did Paul know their design ? How was 
their safety dependent upon these men ? 

33. Can this mean that they had literally eaten 
nothing for fourteen days ? 

34. What general instruction may we derive from 
all this care for themselves ? What is the meaning 
of this last assurance ? What instruction about care 
for our souls may we draw from the exertions and 
sacrifices of these men ? 

35. What example does Paul set us in this case T 
Why is it said in the presence of them all f 

36. What was the reason of their cheerfulness ? 
42. What was the reason for this purpose of th* 

Eoldiers ? 



ACTS OP THE APOSTLES. 117 

43. What divine promise to Paul was now ful- 
filled? 

44. In all this scene of difficulty, what was tha 
source of Paul's peace of mind ? What promises of 
God to his people were accomplished in him ? 



LESSON LXX.— Acts xxviii. 1-16. 

1. What is the modern name of this island? 
What forms its chief importance to the Christian 
world ? 

2. Why were they called a barbarous people? 
Does Luke mean to call them so himself? 

4. Was this circumstance any indication of his 
character ? Had they any belief in the divine go- 
vernment ? 

6. What promise of Christ to his disciples is here 
fulfilled ? Was that promise to be literally under- 
stood ? 

6. Why should this lead them to suppose him a 
god ? What did they mean by a god ? 

7. What is meant by the same quarters f What 
is meant by the chief man? Of what nation 
was he ? 

8. Why did Paul pray ? Does this show whence 
he derived his power ? Why did he lay his hands on 
him? 

9. Could Paul heal diseases at his pleasure ? 

10. Who are meant by us? How long did they 
remain in Malta ? 

11. Where was Alexandria ? Why had this vessel 
wintered in the isle ? What is meant by this sign ? 

12. Where was Syracuse ? 

13. What ip meant by fetching a compass t Wheie 



118 BIBLE LESSONS ON THE 



was Rhegium ? Was this a favourable wind ? Where 
Was Puteoli ? 

14. What refreshment did they here find ? Why ia 
It mentioned that they found brethren here ? What 
comfort could the brethren give them ? 

15. What brethren are here referred to? Was 
this by land ? Where were these places ? Was Paul 
acquainted with these persons ? Why did he thank 
God ? What is meant by taking courage ? 

16. Who was the centurion? Who was the captain 
of the guard? Were there other prisoners than 
Paul ? Why was this permission granted to Paul ? 
What mode of confinement was this ? 



LESSON LXXL— Acts xxviii. 17-31. 

7. Why should Paul call for the Jews ? Why did 
he call them by these titles? Who are meant by 
the people here? What is meant by committed no- 
thing against the customs of our fathers ? Did the 
Jews deliver him to the Romans ? 

18. What is meant by examining? What occasion 
does he refer to here ? 

19. Who spake against his release? Why did he 
appeal to Caesar ? Did his appeal imply that he ac- 
cused his nation ? 

20. For what cause ? What does he mean by the 
hope of Israel? What chain does he speak of? 

21. How long since Paul had been in Jerusalem ? 
Had he been probably forgotten by the Jews there? 
Who are meant by brethren ? 

22. What sect do they mean ? Did they expect to 
hear any thing new from Paul regarding it? Was 
their assertion true ? 



ACTS OF THE APOSTLES. 119 



23. What is meant by appointing a day? What ia 
meant by expounding? What by testifying the king* 
dom of God? What is meant by persuading con- 
cerning Jesus ? What arguments from the law and 
the prophets could he bring ? Was he teaching all 
the day? 

24. What is meant here by believing? What made 
the difference ? 

25. Does it mean that they disputed? What is 
meant by one word? Did the Holy Ghost speak this 
of them ? Did the Holy Ghost always speak by the 
prophets ? 

26. What is the meaning of this command? Did 
God harden their hearts ? What are the distinctions 
referred to here? What connection has this with 
the circumstances of Paul? 

27. How do you explain these assertions? How is 
the first part of this text a reason for the last ? Can 
men be converted at their pleasure ? What healing 
is referred to ? 

28. What is meant by the salvation of God ? In 
what sense may this be called the salvation of God ? 
How could he know this? 

29. What is meant by reasonings ? 

30. How long did Paul remain at Pvome ? Was this 
his last visit there ? 

31. What is meant by with all confidence? Have 
Tre any other records of this visit of Paul to Romel 



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